Man admits sexual crimes involving children at summer camp

A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.

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

The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.

The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.

The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.

The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.

"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."

The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.

She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.

"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.

Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement once more.

She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.