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A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.

Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.

The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.

The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.

She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.

"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."

The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.

She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.

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

The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.

She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.