Individual pleads guilty to sexual crimes targeting boys at summer camp
A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.
