Man pleads guilty to sexual offenses against children at youth camp
A person who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
