A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police again.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
