A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the police once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
