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A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.

The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.

Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.

The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.

The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.

The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.

"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."

The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.

She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

"The police had not responded by that point," she added.

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.

The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.

She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.