A person who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.
