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A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.

However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.

The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.

Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".

She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in recently.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.

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

Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.

She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.

"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.

The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.

Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the police a second time.

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