Person admits sex offences against children at summer camp

A man who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.

The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.

Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.

The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.

The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.

"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."

The legal counsel said items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.

She stated the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.

She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.