A person who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
