A man who laced sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
