An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
