An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up 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 Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
