A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
