A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
