Person admits sexual crimes against young males at summer camp
An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
