An individual who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.