An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
