A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
