An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
