A person who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
