A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in recently.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
