Person confesses to sexual crimes involving boys at summer camp
A person who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She said the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
