A man who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
