A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
