An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
