Man admits sex offences targeting boys at summer camp
A man who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
