A man who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
