Individual admits sexual crimes involving children at summer camp
An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
