Man admits sex offences against boys at summer program
A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
