A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
