An individual who laced candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
