A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
