A man who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
