Individual admits sexual offenses targeting boys at summer program
A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
