A man who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
