Individual pleads guilty to sexual offenses targeting children at summer camp
An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
