An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
