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A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both nine and ten years old.

The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.

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

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

'Candy game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.

The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.

She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.

"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."

The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.

She said Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.

"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the events.

The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the police once more.

She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.