Individual admits sexual offenses targeting children at youth camp
A man who laced candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
