A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
