An individual who laced treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
