An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
