An individual who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
