A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
