A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
