🔗 Share this article Individual confesses to sex offences targeting children at youth camp The defendant admitted 17 criminal counts at Leicester Crown Court on recently A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10. The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in July. The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday. Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy. Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November. 'Candy game' The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings. She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed. Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible". She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day. She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025. Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause. "They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions." Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions. She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day. "Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added. The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident. The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again. She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.