🔗 Share this article

A person who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.

The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.

Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".

She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.

She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.

"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."

Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She stated the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.

"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.

The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.

The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.

She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.