A man who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police again.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
