Individual pleads guilty to sex offences involving boys at youth camp
An individual who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
