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An individual who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.

Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.

Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.

"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."

The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.

She said the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

"The police had not arrived by that point," she continued.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.

Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.

She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.