A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
