Person admits sexual offenses targeting boys at summer camp

An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.

The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.

The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.

However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.

The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.

'Treat game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.

She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.

The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".

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

She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.

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

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

The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.

She explained Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.

The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.

She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.