An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the police again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
