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An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.

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

The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.

She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.

Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.

She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.

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

The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.

She stated the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.

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

The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.

The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities once more.

She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.