An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
