Man admits sexual crimes involving children at youth camp
A man who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
