A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
