Individual confesses to sexual offenses against boys at summer program

An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.

The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge 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 recently.

Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.

The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.

She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.

Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".

She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.

She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.

The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.

"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."

The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.

She said Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"The police had not responded by that point," she added.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.

Mrs Prior said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.

She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.