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

The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.

The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.

The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.

She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in recently.

The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.

"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."

Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.

She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.

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

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.

The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.

She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.