Maldon & Tiptree owners in court on rape charges
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.
The Crown Prosecution Service says Barrie Drewett-Barlow has been charged with: 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. " 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.