A man who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
