A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben 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 continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
