Individual confesses to sex offences targeting young males at youth camp

An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.

The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.

The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.

The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.

"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."

Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.

"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.

The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police a second time.

She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.