An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
