A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
