A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She said the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
