Man pleads guilty to sex offences targeting boys at summer program
An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
