Person admits sexual offenses involving children at summer program
An individual who laced treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed 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 concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
