A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
