A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
