Individual admits sexual offenses targeting boys at summer program
A person who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
