A man who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
