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An individual who laced treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.

The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in July.

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.

She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.

The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".

She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.

She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.

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

The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his worries.

She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.

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

The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.

The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.

She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.