A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
