Man admits sexual crimes targeting young males at summer camp
A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, 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 defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
