Individual admits sexual offenses targeting young males at youth camp
An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
