A person who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the police again.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
