Person confesses to sexual offenses involving children at summer camp
A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the man went on to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
