Person pleads guilty to sexual offenses targeting boys at summer camp
A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
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 explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
