A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She said the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
