An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She said the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
