A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
