Person pleads guilty to sex offences involving young males at youth camp
An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location 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 Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
