An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
