A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
