A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
