A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
