Football club owners charged with human trafficking

Maldon and Tiptree owners Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, and his husband Scott, 32, have had their properties searched
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Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, and his husband Scott, 32, face charges of rape, sexual assault and modern slavery trafficking for sexual exploitation. The married couple, who own Maldon and Tiptree FC, are scheduled to appear before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today.
Essex Police's Serious Crime Directorate apprehended both men on Wednesday following coordinated operations across multiple locations in the county.
The pair reside at Southwood Chase in Danbury, Essex.
Detectives have been working with the Crown Prosecution Service since making the arrests earlier this week.

Barrie and Scott Drewitt-Barlow both own non-league club Maldon and Tiptree
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Officers are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact them through the Major Incident Public Portal or via a dedicated incident room telephone line.
Forensic teams conducted extensive searches at three separate locations as part of the inquiry.
Investigators examined the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium, home ground of the non-league side, along with the couple's residence in Danbury and The Swan pub in Braintree, which is owned by Barrie Drewitt-Barlow.
A Rolls Royce belonging to the 57-year-old was seized during Wednesday's operation, loaded onto a trailer and removed for forensic examination.
The vehicle formed part of a substantial collection of evidence gathered by officers at the football ground.

Barrie and Scott Drewitt-Barlow bought the club in 2025
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Police presence at the Danbury property was significant, with four patrol cars, at least two vans, uniformed officers on foot, and forensic specialists all deployed to the scene.
The couple completed a multi-million pound acquisition of Maldon and Tiptree FC in 2025, subsequently guiding the club to the Isthmian North title this season.
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, a property developer by profession, has appeared on several television programmes including Rich House, Poor House and Below Deck Sailing Yacht.
Under his ownership, the stadium was renamed after him and average matchday attendance reportedly increased from 70 to 800 spectators.
The club brought in notable signings including former West Ham United striker Freddie Sears and appointed ex-Manchester City player Kevin Horlock as manager.
ITV has now withdrawn a behind-the-scenes documentary series about the football club that had been scheduled to broadcast next week.










