An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
