A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
