An individual who contaminated sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet 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 ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
