A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
