Man admits sex offences involving boys at summer camp
A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied 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 further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.