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An individual who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult 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 Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.

The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.

The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".

She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.

She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.

The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.

"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."

The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.

She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.

"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.

The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.

She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.