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A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.

Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.

Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.

Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.

She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.

"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."

The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.

She said the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.

"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.

Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.

She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.