🔗 Share this article

An individual who contaminated sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.

The accused was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.

'Treat game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.

The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".

She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.

The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.

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

The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.

She said the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.

Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.

She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.