A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She said the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
