A person who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
