A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
