A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
