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A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.

The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.

Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.

The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Candy game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.

She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.

Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.

She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.

The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.

"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."

Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.

She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.

The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.

She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.