In a development that has sent shockwaves through the non-league football community, the co-owners of Maldon & Tiptree FC are facing severe criminal allegations. Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, and Scott Drewitt-Barlow, 32, have been formally charged by Essex police with human trafficking for sexual exploitation and rape.
The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the force's serious crime directorate. Officers executed coordinated searches at properties in Danbury, Maldon, and Braintree on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of both men. Following the arrests, police liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorized the charges.
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, who gained public attention in 1999 as Britain's first gay surrogate parent, faces a substantial list of accusations. The CPS has charged him with 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 the travel of another person with a view to exploitation.
His co-owner, Scott Drewitt-Barlow, has also been charged with serious offences. These include 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 for exploitation. Both men reside at an address on Southwood Chase in Danbury, Essex.
The pair are scheduled to make their first appearance at Chelmsford magistrates' court at a later date. The charges relate specifically to sexual exploitation, as confirmed by the prosecuting authorities.
The legal troubles have had immediate repercussions beyond the courtroom. ITV has taken the decision to shelve a planned television series that was set to document the Drewitt-Barlows' venture into football. The six-part show, titled 'Up the Jammers,' was announced in a press release on March 31 and was intended to follow their ambition to elevate the Isthmian League North Division club to the English Football League within four years.
A quote previously attributed to Barrie Drewitt-Barlow in the ITV press release stated their intention was to build something big, adding that nothing had been hidden. However, an ITV spokesperson confirmed on Friday that the network has decided to remove 'Up the Jammers' from its upcoming schedule in light of the charges.
Based on reporting from Football | The Guardian.