Individual pleads guilty to sexual offenses targeting children at summer program
A person who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
