Man pleads guilty to sexual offenses involving young males at summer program
An individual who laced candy with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
