A person who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived 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 stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
