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An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.

The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in July.

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.

The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.

The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.

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

Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.

She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.

The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.

She said the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.