A person who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed 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 charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
