A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.
