Individual confesses to sexual offenses targeting young males at summer program

A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.

The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.

The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.

She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.

The man played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".

She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.

She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.

The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.

"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."

The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She explained Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

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

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.

The legal representative said the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police once more.

She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.