A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
