Man admits sex offences against boys at youth camp
A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
