Person admits sexual crimes against boys at youth camp
A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
