Man pleads guilty to sexual crimes involving children at youth camp
An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.