An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
