An individual who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
