Individual admits sexual offenses involving young males at summer program
A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
