Police have raided the Essex mansion of reality TV star and Britain’s first openly gay football club owner, Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, as part of an investigation into alleged rape and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Officers forced entry into the property near Danbury by breaking through a wooden fence this morning. Forensic teams searched the modern home along a country lane last night, with multiple police vehicles parked in the driveway. Drewitt-Barlow shares the plush residence with his husband, Scott.
Arrests and Ongoing Searches
Two men from Danbury, aged 57 and 32, face arrest on suspicion of rape, human trafficking for sexual exploitation, and administering a noxious substance. Authorities also conducted searches at properties in nearby Braintree and Maldon, as well as the clubhouse and stadium of Maldon and Tiptree FC, the non-league club Drewitt-Barlow purchased last February. Squad cars and a forensic van appeared in the club’s car park.
A spokesman for Essex Police stated: “Detectives leading an investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape, and other sexual offences made two arrests and carried out a series of warrants on Wednesday, May 6. Officers from the Serious Crime Directorate conducted coordinated searches of premises in Danbury, Maldon, and Braintree. Searches remain ongoing at all locations.”
Detective Inspector Lydia George, leading the probe, added: “If anyone has information to share, contact us via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP), and the investigation team will provide specialist support.”
Drewitt-Barlow’s Background and Upcoming Documentary
Drewitt-Barlow, 55, gained fame in 1999 as part of one of the UK’s first gay couples to have children via surrogacy with ex-husband Tony. He has appeared on shows like Rich House, Poor House and Below Deck Sailing Yacht, and once hosted a stranger for a reality series.
The entrepreneur stars in the upcoming ITV4 six-part documentary Up The Jammers, a Welcome to Wrexham-style series following his first year owning Maldon and Tiptree FC. Cameras captured the team’s Isthmian League North championship win this season, as Drewitt-Barlow aims to reach the English Football League within four years.
Drewitt-Barlow has discussed supporting closeted Premier League players. He stated: “I’ve already been classed as the poster boy for gay parenting or surrogacy, and it doesn’t get anybody anywhere. I don’t think people want to [come out] because they’re scared about what might happen in the dressing room, as well as on the pitch. The only people that can truly help and make it more normalised are the leagues and the FA.”
