An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She said the man continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
