Individual admits sexual crimes against young males at youth camp
An individual who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She said the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
