A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
