Individual admits sex offences targeting young males at summer camp
An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
