Person confesses to sex offences against young males at summer program
A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.
