A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
