A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
