A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in recently.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities again.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
