A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to play the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
