Person confesses to sexual crimes targeting children at youth camp

A person who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.

The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.

Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

The defendant was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Candy game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.

She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.

Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".

She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.

She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.

The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.

"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."

The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.

She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.

Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.

She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.