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An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.

The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.

Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.

Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.

She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.

"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."

Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.

She said the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.

"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.

The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities again.

She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.