An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters 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 family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
