Two co-owners of non-league football club Maldon & Tiptree FC have been charged with human trafficking for sexual exploitation and rape following an investigation by Essex Police.
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, and Scott Drewitt-Barlow, 32, both of Southwood Chase, Danbury, Essex, face multiple charges. They are due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the men are charged with arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation, as well as sexual offences including rape. Barrie Drewitt-Barlow faces three counts of sexual assault on a male, four counts of rape of a man aged 16 or over, and two counts of arranging or facilitating travel for exploitation. Scott Drewitt-Barlow is charged with one count of sexual assault on a male, one count of rape of a man aged 16 or over, and two counts of arranging or facilitating travel for exploitation.
Essex Police said officers from the serious crime directorate conducted coordinated searches at premises in Danbury, Maldon, and Braintree on Wednesday, arresting two men. The force has been liaising with the CPS since then.
ITV has shelved a planned TV series, Up the Jammers, which was to follow the men's ownership of the club. An ITV spokesperson said: 'ITV has decided to remove Up the Jammers from the upcoming schedule.'
