A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
