A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
