A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
