An individual who spiked candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
