An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
