A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions 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."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
