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An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.

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

The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.

'Treat game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.

The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".

She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.

She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.

"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."

The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.

She said the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.

The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.

She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.