Individual admits sex offences targeting young males at summer program
A man who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
