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A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.

The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.

She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.

The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".

She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.

She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.

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

The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.

She stated Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.

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

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.

Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.

She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.