🔗 Share this article Individual pleads guilty to sexual crimes against children at summer program The accused confessed to 17 charges at the judicial center on Friday A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten. The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July. The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently. However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy. The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November. 'Candy game' Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings. She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed. Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can". She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next 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. Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason. "They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions." Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries. She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day. "Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added. The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events. The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again. She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.