An individual who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
