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A man who laced candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and ten years old.

The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.

The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, 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 ran.

Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.

She stated the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in recently.

Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.

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

The prosecutor stated items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.

She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.

The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.

The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police again.

She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.