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A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.

The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.

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

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

The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Candy game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.

She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he ran.

Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.

She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in recently.

The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.

"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."

The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.

She said the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.

The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.

The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.

She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.