An individual who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
