An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
