Man pleads guilty to sexual crimes involving boys at summer camp

An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and ten years old.

The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.

The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.

Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.

She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.

The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".

She told the court the man had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.

She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.

The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.

"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."

Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.

She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.

The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.

Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities again.

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