Man admits sex offences against children at summer program
A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
