Individual confesses to sexual offenses against boys at summer camp
An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
