A man who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
