An individual who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
