Person pleads guilty to sexual offenses targeting children at summer camp
A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
