Man pleads guilty to sexual offenses involving children at youth camp
A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
