A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
