A man who spiked sweets with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in recently.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
