A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
