A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
