A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
