An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
