A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
