Person pleads guilty to sex offences against children at summer camp
A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.