An individual who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
