A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
