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A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in July.

The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.

However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.

The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.

The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.

She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in recently.

The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.

"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."

The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.

She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.

Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.

She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.