Individual admits sexual offenses involving children at summer program
A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
