A man who laced sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
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 was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
