A man who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
