An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
