A man who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
