Person confesses to sexual offenses involving young males at summer camp
An individual who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.