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A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.

The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.

Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.

Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.

She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.

"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."

The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She said the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.

The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.

She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.