A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
