A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
