A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
