Man confesses to sexual offenses against boys at youth camp
A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
