A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
