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An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.

However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.

She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.

Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.

She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.

The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.

"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."

Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.

She said Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.

Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.

She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.