A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
