Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, and Scott Drewitt-Barlow, 32, the millionaire couple who purchased Maldon & Tiptree FC in 2025, have been hit with 18 fresh charges including multiple counts of rape and sexual activity with a child. The pair appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, where they were not asked to enter pleas.
Trial Date Set for January 2027
Prosecutor Louise Oakley KC informed the court that a trial is scheduled to begin on January 18, 2027, with an estimated duration of eight to 10 weeks. The men, both of Danbury, Essex, were remanded in custody until a further hearing on September 7, when they are expected to enter pleas.
The charges include rape, sexual assault, and modern slavery trafficking for sexual exploitation. Prosecutor Serena Berry earlier told Chelmsford Magistrates' Court that the couple are "celebrities who live multi-million pound lifestyles" and have appeared in numerous documentaries and reality TV shows. They own Maldon & Tiptree football club and have other businesses in Essex and abroad.
Allegations of Grooming and Exploitation
Berry alleged that the pair "targeted young males, recruited them, befriended them, groomed them, and invited them to their home and other premises" between 2013 and 2026. Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, who became Britain's first gay surrogate parent in 1999, originally faced charges including three counts of sexual assault on a male, four counts of rape of a man 16 or over, and two counts of arranging or facilitating travel with a view to exploitation.
Scott Drewitt-Barlow originally faced one count of sexual assault on a male, one count of rape of a man 16 or over, and two counts of arranging or facilitating travel for exploitation.
Additional Charges Filed by Essex Police
On Monday, Essex Police announced that both men had been charged with further offences. Barrie Drewitt-Barlow now faces an additional 15 charges: two counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of paying for sexual services of a child, five counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, causing an individual to engage in sexual activity without consent, and causing or inciting sexual activity.
Scott Drewitt-Barlow faces an additional two counts of rape and one count of causing or inciting sexual activity. The total number of fresh charges stands at 18.
