Man admits sex offences targeting children at youth camp

A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.

The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.

Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.

Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".

She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.

She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.

The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.

"They decided to examine in the individual's items."

Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.

She said the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

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

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.

Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.

She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.