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An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.

However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.

The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.

She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.

The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.

She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.

The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.

"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."

The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.

She explained the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.

The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities again.

She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.