A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
