A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
