Man pleads guilty to sexual offenses against young males at youth camp

A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.

The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

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

'Candy game'

The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.

The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".

She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.

She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.

"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."

Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.

She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.

The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.

The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.

She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.