An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the man had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
