Individual confesses to sex offences targeting children at youth camp
An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program 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 tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member called the police a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
