A man who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police again.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
