Individual admits sexual offenses targeting children at summer program

An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged between nine and ten.

The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.

The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.

She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.

The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".

She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.

The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.

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

The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.

She said the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.

The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.

The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.

She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.