Individual admits sexual offenses targeting young males at summer program
A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
