A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member called the police again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
