A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She said the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
