An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
