A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
