A man who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the police again.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
