Individual confesses to sexual offenses against boys at summer camp
A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
