A man who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
