Man confesses to sex offences involving young males at summer program
An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.