Person admits sex offences involving young males at summer camp
An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
