Individual pleads guilty to sexual crimes involving young males at youth camp

A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.

She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.

Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".

She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.

The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.

"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."

The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.

She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.

The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.

Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.

She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.