A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
