An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
