A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the man continued to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
