Millionaire football club owner Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and his spouse face 18 additional charges
A British businessman who became known as the country’s ‘first gay father’ has been charged with child sex offenses, according to media reports.
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, was already facing a number of criminal allegations alongside his current husband, Scott Drewitt-Barlow, 32. The couple, who bought Essex-based football club Maldon and Tiptree FC in 2025, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday. They were reportedly hit with 18 additional charges, including rape and child sex offenses.
The new charges relate to offenses allegedly committed between 2013 and 2026. According to Essex Police, Barrie Drewitt-Barlow was also charged with two counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of paying for the sexual services of a child, five counts of rape, and four counts of sexual assault, among other offenses. Scott Drewitt-Barlow faces two additional rape charges and one count of causing or inciting sexual activity.
The pair are due to return to court for a plea hearing in September. They were remanded to custody, with a provisional trial date set for January 18, 2027.
Prosecutor Serena Berry reportedly told an earlier hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court that the couple were public figures who lived a “multi-million [pound]” lifestyle. She alleged that they had targeted young males and “recruited and befriended them” before grooming them and inviting them to their home and other properties.
Property developer Barrie Drewitt-Barlow became a public figure in 1999, when he and his then-partner became known as Britain’s first gay fathers after having children through surrogacy. He later appeared on reality television shows, including ‘Rich House, Poor House’ and ‘Below Deck Sailing Yacht’.
Police launched an investigation in May, carrying out searches at Maldon and Tiptree FC and the couple’s home in Danbury, Essex. Barrie and Scott Drewitt-Barlow were arrested during a raid on the property on May 6 and charged two days later, according to The Telegraph.
Earlier this month, the Football Association suspended both men from football-related activities pending the outcome of the police investigation, according to court proceedings cited by the BBC.
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