A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
