A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
