A man who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
