A man who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She said the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
