Man confesses to sexual offenses targeting boys at summer program
A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
