A man who laced treats with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
