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An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.

The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.

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

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.

She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.

Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".

She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.

She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.

The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.

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

The legal counsel said items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.

She said the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys 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 police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.

Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police a second time.

She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.