Individual admits sexual offenses against children at summer camp

An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.

The man played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".

She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.

"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."

The prosecutor said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.

She said the man continued to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.

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

The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.

The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities once more.

She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.