Person admits sexual offenses targeting children at youth camp
A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
