Person confesses to sexual offenses involving boys at youth camp
A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
