A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
