A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the police again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
