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A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.

The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.

The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.

However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.

The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.

She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.

"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."

The legal counsel said objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She stated the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.

The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement once more.

She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.