An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
