A man who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
