An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She said the man continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
