A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
