A man who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
