A person who laced candy with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
