A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
