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An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.

The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared 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 defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.

She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.

The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".

She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.

She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.

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

Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his worries.

She said the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

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

The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.

The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.

She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.