A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
