A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
