A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
