A man who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in recently.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
