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A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and ten years old.

The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.

However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.

Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.

'Candy game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.

She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.

The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.

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

The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.

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

The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.

She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.

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

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.

Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities again.

She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.