Person confesses to sexual offenses involving children at summer camp
An individual who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
