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A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.

The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.

Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.

The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.

The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".

She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She stated the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.

The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably.

"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."

The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.

She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.

The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.

Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.

She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.