Individual admits sex offences involving young males at summer camp
A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the police again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
