A man who laced candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied 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 further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
