A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
