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A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.

The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.

The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.

The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".

She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.

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

The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.

She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

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

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

The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police a second time.

She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.