Person confesses to sex offences involving children at youth camp

An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.

The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.

Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.

The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.

The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.

She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.

The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.

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

The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.

She explained the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.

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

Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.

She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.