A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the police a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
