A person who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
