Individual admits sex offences targeting young males at youth camp

A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.

The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.

Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.

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

'Treat game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.

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

Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".

She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.

She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.

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

"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."

The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.

She stated the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.

The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.

The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police a second time.

She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.