A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
