A man who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
