Additional Charges Against Football Club Investors
Eighteen further charges, including multiple counts of rape, have been filed against the purchasers of a non-league football club.
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, aged 57, and his husband Scott, aged 32, stand accused of targeting and grooming young males across the UK between 2013 and 2026.
Essex Police confirmed that Barrie Drewitt-Barlow has been charged with two offences related to paying for sexual services of a child, among other allegations.
The couple, who acquired Maldon & Tiptree FC in 2025, remain in custody and are scheduled to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday afternoon.
Police initiated their investigation in May, conducting raids at the football club and the couple’s residence in Southwood Chase, Danbury.
The new charges against Barrie Drewitt-Barlow announced on Monday include multiple offences, while Scott Drewitt-Barlow faces charges of causing or inciting sexual activity and two counts of rape.
Property developer Barrie Drewitt-Barlow first attracted media attention in 1999 when he and his then-partner became Britain's first gay fathers through surrogacy.
Following their arrest on 6 May, police searched Barrie Drewitt-Barlow’s pub, The Swan, located in Braintree.
During searches at the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium in Maldon on the same day, authorities confiscated a Rolls-Royce by loading it onto a trailer for removal.
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow has appeared on reality television programs such as Rich House, Poor House and Below Deck Sailing Yacht.
Scott Drewitt-Barlow faces additional accusations, including:
The couple’s ownership of Maldon & Tiptree FC began in 2025, during which time they managed the club’s promotion to tier seven of the English football league system.
Notable signings under their tenure included former West Ham and Ipswich striker Freddie Sears and ex-Manchester City player Kevin Horlock, who was appointed manager.
Two other individuals, Richard Howard-Smith, 35, a Maldon town councillor, and Eldred Reames, 24, both residents of Southwood Chase, Danbury, are also due to appear in court facing charges of rape and sexual assault.
Police carried out extensive searches at the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium as part of their investigation in May.
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