A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.
