An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
