An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
