Person admits sexual offenses against boys at summer program

A person who laced candy with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.

The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.

The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.

The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Treat game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.

The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.

She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.

"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."

The prosecutor said items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his worries.

She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.

Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.

She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.