An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
