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An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.

The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

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.

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

The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.

She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.

The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".

She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.

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

The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.

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

The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.

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

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.

She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.