A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
