A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police again.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
