A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
