Individual admits sexual offenses involving boys at summer program
A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
