A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
