A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.