A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police again.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
