Person admits sexual offenses targeting children at youth camp
A man who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
