A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
