A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
