An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in recently.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
