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A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.

The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.

Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Treat game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.

The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.

The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.

"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."

The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.

"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.

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

She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.