A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
