A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
