A non league club’s owners appear in court this week, charged with rape and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
It comes following an investigation by Essex Police, with Maldon & Tiptree co-owners Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and Scott Drewitt-Barlow appearing at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Friday.
A documentary about the Isthmian League North Division title winners has also been shelved by ITV amid the police enquires, with a spokesman for the broadcaster saying “ITV has decided to remove Up The Jammers from the upcoming schedule.”
The owners of Maldon and Tiptree have appeared in court charged with multiple offences including rape, sexual assault and modern slavery trafficking for sexual exploitation. https://t.co/U7Ae8LnurD
— Ollie Bayliss (@Ollie_Bayliss) May 8, 2026
Omg Maldon and Tipree owners, way too close to home. Dirty rats 😡 pic.twitter.com/h0DL7Ciegs
— Will Wilkinson ⚒️ (@Willwilko82) May 6, 2026
Prosecutor Serena Berry said, as per ITV News: “Barrie Drewitt-Barlow is in a relationship with Scott Drewitt-Barlow… they are what could be termed to be celebrities, who live multi-million [pound] lifestyles and have featured in many documentaries and reality TV shows.
“They own the Maldon and Tiptree Football Club, and they have other businesses in the Essex area and also abroad in other countries.
“It is alleged they have both targeted young males, they have recruited them, they have befriended them, they have groomed them. They have invited them to their home and other premises.”
Defence barrister Oliver Snodin said that Barrie and Scott Drewitt-Barlow have “strenuously denied” the allegations made against them.
They were both remanded into custody and are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on the 5th of June.
A statement from Essex Police, issued on Friday the 8th of May, read:
“Detectives have secured charges against two men in connection with an investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences.
“Officers from the Serious Crime Directorate at Essex Police carried co-ordinated searches at premises in Danbury, Maldon, and Braintree on Wednesday 6 May and arrested two men.
“Since then we have been liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service.
“We can now confirm that 57 year-old Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and 32 year-old Scott Drewitt-Barlow, both of Southwood Chase, Danbury, have both been charged with multiple offences including rape, sexual assault, and modern slavery trafficking for sexual exploitation.
“They are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 5 June and will remain in custody until then.”
On Wednesday 6 May, that said:
“Detectives leading an investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences have today, Wednesday 6 May, made two arrests and carried out a series of warrants.
“Officers from the Serious Crime Directorate at Essex Police have today carried out co-ordinated searches of premises in Danbury, Maldon and Braintree as part of their investigation.
“Searches remain ongoing at all of the locations.
“Two men from Danbury have also been arrested:
“A 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of: rape, human trafficking for sexual exploitation and administering a noxious substance.
“A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape, human trafficking for sexual exploitation and administering a noxious substance.
“Both men remain in custody where they are being questioned by detectives.”
Detective Inspector Lydia George, who is leading the investigation, said:
“If anyone has any information they feel ready to share with us, I would ask them to contact us via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) and the investigation team will provide you with any specialist support required.”
Follow the link to share information via the MIPP.
We have also set up an incident room which you can call on 0800 096 0095 or 0207 1580125 for international callers.
Free support for survivors of sexual violence in Essex
Synergy Essex offers free, confidential help to anyone in Essex affected by rape, sexual abuse, or sexual violence – whether it happened recently or in the past.
It’s made up of three expert services:
Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse
Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service
Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis
You don’t need to report anything to the police to get support. You can contact Synergy Essex directly, or ask someone you trust, like a friend, family member or professional, to refer you.
Support is available for all ages and includes:
Counselling (in person, online or by phone).
Emotional and practical help.
Guidance from Independent Sexual Violence Advisers if you choose to report the crime.
Their First Contact team can talk you through your options and help you get started.
Find out more on the Synergy Essex website.
The JFA acknowledges the developing situation concerning the criminal charges involving Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and Scott Drewitt-Barlow. We extend our thoughts to anyone who may have been affected by this investigation. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/XukaIv0ERg
— The Jammers Fans Association (@TheJammersFA) May 8, 2026
The JFA acknowledges the developing situation concerning the criminal charges involving Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and Scott Drewitt-Barlow. We extend our thoughts to anyone who may have been affected by this investigation.
“We understand that many of our members will be feeling shocked and deeply unsettled by the events of the past few days. At times like this, it’s important to remember that the JFA is more than just an independent supporters’ association – we are a community.
“We will stand together to support one another in any way we can. In the meantime, should our members feel the need to reach out, please don’t hesitate to contact us through our social media channels or by emailing chair@thejammersfa.co.uk or contact@thejammersfa.co.uk.”
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