Individual confesses to sexual offenses targeting boys at summer camp
A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
