Person admits sexual crimes targeting children at summer camp
A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
