An individual who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
