A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
