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A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.

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

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.

Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.

The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.

The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.

"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."

The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.

She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.

The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.

The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.

She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.