Individual pleads guilty to sexual offenses targeting children at summer program
A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
