An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
