Individual admits sex offences involving children at summer program
A man who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
