A person who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
