A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
