Person admits sex offences targeting young males at summer program
A man who laced candy with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man continued to play the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police again.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.