A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", 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 minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
