A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in recently.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She said the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
