A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
