Barrie Drewitt-Barlow (57), one of the pioneers of gay parenthood in the United Kingdom and the first openly gay football club owner, and his husband Scott Hutchison (32) have been formally charged with numerous sexual offences, including rape, sexual assault and human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation in the form of modern slavery.
Both men are due to appear today (8 May 2026) before the magistrates’ court in Chelmsford, Essex. The charges stem from an investigation by Essex Police into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences.
On Wednesday (6 May 2026), Essex Police carried out coordinated raids on three properties: the couple’s home in Danbury (where officers had to break through a wooden fence to get inside), as well as properties in Braintree and Maldon. Forensic teams worked at the scenes, and several police vehicles were parked on the driveway.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the police confirmed:
“Detectives from Essex Police’s Major Crime Unit have charged two men in connection with an investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences. […] We can confirm that 57-year-old Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and 32-year-old Scott Hutchison [the police statement also gives the variant Scott Drewitt-Barlow – ed. note], both from Danbury, have been charged with numerous offences, including rape, sexual assault and human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation in the form of modern slavery. Both will appear today at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.”
Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed something or holds information about the case to get in touch via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) or by calling 0800 051 4526 (UK) or 0207 126 7612 (from outside the UK).
Who are the accused?
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and his then partner Tony Drewitt-Barlow gained attention in 1999 as one of the first gay couples in the United Kingdom to have children through a surrogate. The couple then became a media symbol of “modern parenthood”. Barrie, a multimillionaire, is also known for buying the non-league football club Maldon and Tiptree FC 14 months ago – it was the first time an openly gay man had become the owner of a football club in the United Kingdom. An ITV documentary about his work at the club, which was scheduled for next week, has been withdrawn in connection with the charges.
Drewitt-Barlow has also appeared on reality shows, including Rich House, Poor House, Below Deck Sailing Yacht, and a series in which he let a stranger live in his home. In the past he has spoken publicly about his contacts with gay Premier League footballers who, in his view, are afraid to come out.
The charges concern very serious offences, but at this stage no details have been disclosed about the alleged victims or the specific circumstances of the incidents. Under British law, both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The story is developing. This article is based on information published today by the Daily Mail and on the official statement from Essex Police.
Source: Daily Mail
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