A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
