A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
