A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
