A man who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
