An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
