Person admits sexual offenses targeting young males at youth camp
A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She said the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
