An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
