Person pleads guilty to sexual crimes targeting children at summer program
An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
