A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
