Person confesses to sexual offenses targeting young males at youth camp

A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.

The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.

The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.

Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.

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

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.

The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".

She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.

Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.

"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."

The prosecutor stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.

She said the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.

The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.

She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.