An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
