A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
