Individual admits sex offences targeting boys at youth camp
A person who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.