An individual who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
