A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
