Man admits sex offences involving boys at summer camp

A man who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.

The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in July.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.

The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.

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

Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.

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

The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.

She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.

The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities once more.

She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.