An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
