OWNERS of Maldon and Tiptree FC, Barrie and Scott Drewitt-Barlow, have appeared in court charged with human trafficking for sexual exploitation and rape.
The defendants’ home in Southwood Chase, Danbury, was raided by Essex Police on Wednesday when the pair were arrested and held in custody.
Officers also searched Maldon and Tiptree FC and the Swan Inn in Braintree, which is owned by Barrie Drewitt-Barlow.
The defendants were charged on Thursday night and were driven to Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning when they confirmed their names, ages, and dates of birth.
Wearing a grey Burberry hoodie, Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, appeared in court charged with four counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.
Wearing a black North Face hoodie, Scott Drewitt-Barlow, 32, appeared in court charged with one count of rape, one count of sexual assault, and two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.
Serena Berry, prosecuting, read out a case summary outlining the allegations against the Drewitt-Barlows.
She said: “Barrie Drewitt-Barlow is in a relationship with Scott Drewitt-Barlow.
“They are what could be termed to be celebrities, who live multi-million [pound] lifestyles and have featured in many documentaries and reality TV shows.
“They own the Maldon and Tiptree football club, and they have other businesses in the Essex area and also abroad in other countries.
Oliver Snodin, defending, said: “I would guard against unspecific and broad allegations being made against these two defendants.”
He continued: “All the allegations are strenuously denied.”
Bench chair Dawn Roche said the case will be transferred to Chelmsford Crown Court where the Drewitt-Barlows will be asked to enter formal pleas on Friday, June 5.
She said: “We are going to remand you into custody.”
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow shot to fame in the late 1990s after he and his then husband, Tony Drewitt-Barlow, had two daughters who were reportedly the first British children to be registered with two fathers and no mother.
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow made his fortune through clinical research company, Euroderm Research, and went on to buy Maldon and Tiptree Football Club in February last year.
He has also appeared on reality TV shows including Rich House, Poor House and Below Deck Sailing Yacht.
Essex Police are appealing for information on the case and ask witnesses to contact them using the major incident public portal (MIPP) on their website, or by calling 0800 051 4526, or 0207 126 7612 internationally.
Maldon and Tiptree Football Club were contacted for comment.
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