A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed 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 managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
