A person who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
