A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
