An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
