Man pleads guilty to sex offences targeting children at summer camp
An individual who laced treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.