An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
