Man confesses to sexual crimes targeting boys at summer camp

An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.

The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.

However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.

The accused was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.

The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.

She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.

The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.

"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."

Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.

She said Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.

"The police had not responded by that time," she added.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.

The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.

She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.