Man pleads guilty to sex offences against children at summer camp
A man who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She said the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
