An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
