A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
