A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
