A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
