An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly 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 minors.
