A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
