Person admits sexual offenses involving young males at summer program
A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She said the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
