A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
