An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
