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An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.

The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.

The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.

The man played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.

She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.

Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.

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

Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.

The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.

The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police once more.

She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.