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An individual who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.

Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.

She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.

Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter 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 defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.

She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.

"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."

Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.

She stated the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

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

The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.

The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police once more.

She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.