A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
