🔗 Share this article Individual pleads guilty to sexual crimes against children at youth camp The accused pleaded guilty to 17 charges at the judicial center on Friday A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten. The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month. The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday. However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy. The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November. 'Candy game' Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body. She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated. The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible". She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day. She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025. Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably. "They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions." The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member notified the police about his worries. She said the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day. "The police had not gone out by that time," she continued. The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident. The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more. She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.