An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
