Individual admits sex offences against children at youth camp
A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
