A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
