Man confesses to sexual crimes targeting young males at youth camp
A person who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
