Man admits sex offences targeting young males at summer camp
A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
