Man pleads guilty to sex offences against children at summer camp
A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities 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 sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.