A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
