Man pleads guilty to sexual offenses involving young males at youth camp
A man who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
