A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
