A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police again.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
