Reality star Barrie Drewitt-Barlow’s mansion in Danbury, Essex, was searched by police on Wednesday as part of an investigation into allegations of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and administering a noxious substance.
Officers from Essex Police’s Serious Crime Directorate executed coordinated searches at multiple locations in Danbury, Maldon and Braintree. The Drewitt-Barlow Stadium, home to non-league Maldon and Tiptree FC which the 57-year-old purchased in February of the previous year, was also among the premises searched. The mansion, understood to be one of several properties owned by the millionaire reality television personality, was searched by officers who were seen at the scene last night.
The Arrests
Two men, aged 57 and 32, were arrested in Danbury on suspicion of rape, human trafficking for sexual exploitation and administering a noxious substance. Both remain in custody and are being questioned by detectives. The arrests were confirmed by Essex Police, which said in a statement: “Officers from the Serious Crime Directorate at Essex Police have today carried out coordinated 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.”
No charges have been brought forward as of Thursday, May 7. The investigation remains active, with searches continuing at the properties.
The Allegations
The investigation centres on serious allegations of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and administering a noxious substance. Human trafficking for sexual exploitation involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of a person for the purpose of sexual exploitation, typically through coercion, deception or abuse of power. In this context, the police are examining whether individuals were brought to or moved within the UK for the purpose of being sexually exploited. The allegation of rape, defined under UK law as non-consensual sexual intercourse, is being investigated alongside the trafficking claims. The additional charge of administering a noxious substance — which can refer to any harmful chemical or drug given to a person without their consent — suggests that victims may have been drugged as part of the alleged offences.
Essex Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP), or by calling an incident room on 0800 096 0095, or 0207 1580125 for international callers. Support for survivors of sexual violence in Essex is available through Synergy Essex.
Polling Station Relocation
Maldon and Tiptree FC’s Drewitt-Barlow Stadium had been scheduled to serve as a polling station for local elections being held today, Thursday, May 7. However, the police investigation forced an urgent change of venue. Doug Wilkinson, deputy returning officer for Maldon District Council, confirmed: “In light of an ongoing police investigation, I have made the decision to relocate the Polling Station from The Drewitt-Barlow Stadium to Blackwater Leisure Centre.” Voters who would have cast their ballots at the stadium must now go to the leisure centre instead.
Background and Fallout
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, who along with his ex-husband Tony Drewitt-Barlow made global headlines in 1999 as one of the first gay couples in the UK to have a child through a surrogate, is estimated to be worth around £40 million, with some reports placing the figure as high as £200 million. The couple — who separated but have continued to live together to co-parent — have five children: twins Saffron and Aspen, Orlando, and twins Dallas and Jasper. Barrie later had additional children with his current husband, Scott Hutchison, who is also known as Scott Drewitt-Barlow. The family’s total includes eight children: Saffron, Aspen, Orlando, Dallas, Jasper, Valentina, Romeo and Colin.
Drewitt-Barlow is the CEO of the British Surrogacy Centre of America, which he founded in 2000. The company offers surrogacy services internationally and has faced controversy, including allegations of operating in a legal grey area and potentially exploiting surrogates. One surrogate reportedly claimed she had been abused and left in significant debt. The centre’s operations are separate from the current police investigation, which focuses on human trafficking, rape and noxious substances.
The investigation has also had wider media consequences. ITV confirmed that a planned documentary series titled “Up The Jammers”, which was set to feature Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and Scott Hutchison, has been shelved and will not be broadcast as scheduled. Drewitt-Barlow had previously appeared on Channel 5’s “Rich House, Poor House” and was involved in a reality TV show called “The Parent Makers.”
The two men arrested in Danbury remain in custody as detectives continue their inquiries. Police have not named the individuals, and no further details about the alleged victims have been released.
