A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
