An individual who laced sweets with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
