A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
