An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
