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A man who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.

The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.

The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.

Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.

She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.

The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.

She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.

"They decided to examine in the individual's items."

The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.

She said the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.

The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.

The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police a second time.

She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.