A man who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
