A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
