A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
