A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
