Individual confesses to sexual offenses targeting young males at summer camp
An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
