A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
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 subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She said the man continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police once more.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
