Individual admits sexual crimes against children at youth camp
A man who laced treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
