An individual who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
