Person pleads guilty to sexual offenses targeting boys at youth camp
An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
