Person pleads guilty to sexual crimes involving children at summer camp
A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
