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An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.

The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.

However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.

Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.

The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.

The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.

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

Mrs Prior KC said objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.

She explained the man went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.

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

The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.

Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.

She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.