Individual pleads guilty to sexual crimes targeting children at summer camp
A person who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
