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A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.

Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.

Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.

Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".

She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.

She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.

The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.

"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."

Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.

She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.

The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.

She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.