Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, who became Britain's first gay surrogate parent in 1999, and his partner Scott Drewitt-Barlow, 32, are facing trial on multiple charges including rape, sexual assault, and modern slavery trafficking for sexual exploitation. The pair appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, where they were not asked to enter pleas.
Details of the Charges
Prosecutor Louise Oakley KC informed the court that the trial is scheduled to begin on January 18, 2027, with an estimated duration of eight to ten weeks. Both men, residents of Danbury, Essex, were remanded in custody until a further hearing on September 7, when they are expected to enter pleas.
During an earlier hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court, prosecutor Serena Berry described the couple as "celebrities who live multi-million (pound) lifestyles and have featured in many documentaries and reality TV shows." She added that they own Maldon and Tiptree football club and have other businesses in Essex and abroad. Berry alleged that they "targeted young males, recruited them, befriended them, groomed them, and invited them to their home and other premises."
Additional Charges Filed
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow faces a total of 15 additional charges, including 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 two additional counts of rape and one count of causing or inciting sexual activity.
Essex Police confirmed that both men were charged with further alleged offences on Monday, building on the initial charges. Barrie had previously been charged with 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 of another person with a view to exploitation. Scott had been charged with 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 of another person with a view to exploitation.
Background and Impact
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow became a prominent figure in the UK after becoming the country's first gay surrogate parent in 1999. The couple's high-profile lifestyle and ownership of a football club have drawn significant media attention. The case has raised serious concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable young men, with prosecutors alleging a systematic pattern of grooming and abuse.
