A man who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
