A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
