An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in recently.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
