A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick 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 appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
