A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
