Person admits sexual offenses against young males at youth camp
An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.