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A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.

The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.

Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.

The accused was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.

She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.

The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.

She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.

The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.

"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."

The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.

She said the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.

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

The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the events.

Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.

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