A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
