A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
