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An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.

Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in recently.

The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.

"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."

The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.

She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.

The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.

Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.

She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.