Man confesses to sex offences against boys at summer camp

A person who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.

The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.

Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.

Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.

She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.

The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.

She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.

The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.

"They decided to examine in the individual's items."

The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She said the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.

"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.

The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the police once more.

She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.