A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
