A man who laced treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
