A person who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
