Individual admits sexual offenses targeting young males at youth camp

A man who laced treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.

The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.

The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".

She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.

The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.

"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."

Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.

She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.

"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.

The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.

The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement once more.

She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.