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An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.

The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.

'Sweet game'

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

She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.

The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".

She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.

She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.

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

Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.

She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.

The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.

The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.

She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.