Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, and his husband Scott Drewitt-Barlow, 32, have been charged with multiple offences including trafficking and rape, according to court documents. The couple, known for being Britain's first gay surrogate parents, were arrested following an investigation by Essex Police.
The charges relate to alleged incidents between 2015 and 2020. Barrie Drewitt-Barlow faces 11 charges including trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape, and sexual assault. Scott Drewitt-Barlow faces 6 charges including trafficking and sexual assault. Both have been remanded in custody.
The couple are co-owners of Maldon & Tiptree FC, a football club in Essex. Their legal team has stated they will vigorously contest the allegations. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 2026 at Chelmsford Crown Court.
Essex Police have urged anyone with information to come forward. The case has drawn significant media attention due to the couple's high profile as pioneers in surrogacy law.
