A man who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
