A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
