A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
