Person admits sexual offenses targeting boys at summer camp
A person who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.