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A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.

The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.

Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.

Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.

The man played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.

She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in recently.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.

"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."

The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his worries.

She said Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.

The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.

She explained the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.