An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
