An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
