A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
