A person who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
