A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
