An individual who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
