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A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.

The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.

Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.

The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".

She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.

"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."

Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She stated the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.

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

Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.

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