An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
