Person confesses to sexual offenses against young males at youth camp
A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
