A person who spiked sweets with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
