Man admits sexual offenses against children at summer camp
A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
