🔗 Share this article Man admits sex offences targeting boys at youth camp The defendant pleaded guilty to 17 criminal counts at the judicial center on recently A man who laced candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten. The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in July. The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week. However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child. The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November. 'Candy game' Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court. She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated. Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly". She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning. She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025. Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably. "They decided to investigate in the man's possessions." The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions. She said the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day. "Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued. The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events. The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again. She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.