Man admits sexual crimes involving children at summer camp
A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
