Individual confesses to sex offences against boys at summer camp

An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.

The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.

The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.

Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.

The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.

The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.

The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.

"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."

The legal counsel said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.

She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.

The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.

The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police again.

She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.