Individual pleads guilty to sex offences against children at summer program

A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.

The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.

Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.

Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.

Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.

She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.

"They decided to examine in the individual's items."

Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.

She said Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.

The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.

The prosecutor said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.

She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.