An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
