An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
