A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
