A man who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
