A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
