A man who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
