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A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.

Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Candy game'

The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he ran.

The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.

She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.

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

The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.

She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.

The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.

She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.