Individual admits sex offences involving boys at youth camp
A person who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
