🔗 Share this article

An individual who laced candy with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.

The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.

However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.

The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.

The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.

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

The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.

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

Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.

She said Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

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

The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities again.

She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.