Man confesses to sexual crimes targeting children at summer camp
A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
