Person pleads guilty to sex offences targeting children at summer camp
A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.