An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
