A man who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the police again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
