A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained 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 total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the man continued to play the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
