A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.