A man who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
