A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
