A person who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in recently.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
