A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
