🔗 Share this article Person admits sexual offenses against young males at summer program The accused admitted 17 criminal counts at Leicester Crown Court on recently A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10. The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer. The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week. However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy. Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November. 'Sweet game' The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court. She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran. The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly". She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning. She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025. The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason. "They decided to investigate in the man's possessions." The prosecutor said objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions. She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning. "Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further. The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation. The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement once more. She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.