A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
