A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
