A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
