A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
