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A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.

However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.

The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.

She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.

The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.

"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."

The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his worries.

She stated Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.

The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.

The prosecutor said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.

She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.