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A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on recently.

Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.

Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.

'Candy game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.

She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.

The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".

She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.

"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."

Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.

She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.

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

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

Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.

She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.