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A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.

The accused was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.

Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.

She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.

The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".

She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in recently.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.

"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."

Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.

She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.

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

The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.

Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities once more.

She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.