A man who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the police once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
