A person who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
