A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
