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An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.

The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in July.

The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.

The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.

'Treat game'

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

She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.

Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in recently.

The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.

"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."

The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.

She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.

The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.

The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police a second time.

She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.