A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
