A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access 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 man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
