A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police again.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
