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Football club owners in court on rape charges

Laura Foster,at Chelmsford Magistrates' Courtand
Laura Devlin
News imageWarren Muggleton/BBC Barrie and Scott Drewitt-Barlow are holding the FA Cup - which is a silver trophy with red ribbons on it - on the pitch at Maldon and Tiptree FC. Behind them is a small blue stand. Barrie is wearing a black shirt and a white blazer. Scott is wearing a checkered dark grey suit.Warren Muggleton/BBC
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and his husband Scott took over Maldon and Tiptree FC in 2025

The owners of a football club have appeared in court charged with multiple offences including rape, sexual assault and modern slavery trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, and his husband Scott, 32, of Southwood Chase, Danbury, allegedly targeted and "groomed" young males.

Essex Police arrested the pair on Wednesday and officers searched Maldon & Tiptree FC as part of their inquiries.

At Chelmsford Magistrates' Court, the defendants spoke only to confirm their dates of birth and address, and they were remanded in custody.

Defence barrister Oliver Snodin said the pair "strenuously denied" the allegations.

They are due to appear again at Chelmsford Crown Court on 5 June.

News imageStuart Woodward/BBC A blue sign reads "Home of Maldon & Tiptree FC". Police cars and vans are parked beyond it.Stuart Woodward/BBC
Police carried out searches at the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium on Wednesday
News imageStuart Woodward/BBC A black Rolls-Royce with the number plate I0 BDB is being secured on to a ramp or a trailer by a man wearing orange high-vis. Behind is a large roof with solar panels on it.Stuart Woodward/BBC
A Rolls-Royce was taken from the football ground on Wednesday

The Crown Prosecution Service says Barrie Drewett-Barlow has been charged with:

  • Three counts of sexual assault on a male
  • Four counts of rape of a man aged 16 or over
  • Two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation

Scott Drewitt-Barlow has been charged with:

  • One count of sexual assault on a male
  • One count of rape of a man aged 16 or over
  • Two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation

The court was told the alleged offences happened between 2013 and 2026.

Prosecutor Serena Berry said the pair owned businesses in Essex and abroad, and could be described as "celebrities, who live multi-million [pound] lifestyles".

"It is alleged they have both targeted young males, they have recruited them, they have befriended them, they have groomed them," she said.

"They have invited them to their home and other premises."

News imageLewis Adams/BBC A police car parked in front of a large pub that has a black and white exterior.Lewis Adams/BBC
Police were seen carrying out inquiries at The Swan pub in Braintree on Wednesday

On Wednesday, a Rolls-Royce was loaded on to the back of a trailer and taken away from the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium in Maldon.

Police also searched the couple's home and The Swan pub in Braintree, owned by Barrie Drewitt-Barlow.

Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, a property developer, made headlines in 1999 when he and his partner at the time, Tony, became known as Britain's first gay fathers, having become parents through a surrogate mother.

He has since featured in reality TV shows including Rich House, Poor House and Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

In 2025, he and Scott Drewitt-Barlow finalised a deal to take over Maldon & Tiptree and oversaw their promotion to tier seven of the English football pyramid.

Some of the big names they brought in to the club include ex-West Ham and Ipswich striker Freddie Sears and former Manchester City and Ipswich player Kevin Horlock as manager.

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