An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
