Man pleads guilty to sexual offenses targeting children at summer camp

An individual who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.

The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in July.

The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.

The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.

'Candy game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.

Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".

She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.

She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.

The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.

"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."

The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his worries.

She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.

The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities once more.

She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.