A person who laced candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
