A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
