A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.