🔗 Share this article

An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.

The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.

Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.

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

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.

She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.

Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.

She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.

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

The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.

She explained the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.

She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.