An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She explained the man went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
