Person admits sexual crimes against boys at youth camp
A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the police again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
