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An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.

The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.

Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

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

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.

She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.

The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.

She explained the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.

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

Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.

She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

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

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.

Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.

She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.