An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
