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An individual who laced treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.

The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.

However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.

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

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.

The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.

She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.

The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.

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

The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.

She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.

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

The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.

She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.