A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
