A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
