Individual admits sexual offenses involving children at youth camp

A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.

The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.

The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.

The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".

She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.

She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.

The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.

"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."

The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.

She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.

"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.

She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.