The residence of a football club owner slated to appear in a new reality TV series has been searched by law enforcement in connection with a probe into suspected human trafficking for sexual exploitation and rape.
On Wednesday afternoon, a police operation, including a forensic team, was observed at the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium in Maldon, Essex. The stadium, serving as a polling location for local elections, was abruptly closed during the search. Earlier, authorities entered a mansion in Danbury, Essex, where several police vehicles were spotted on the premises.
Authorities, who also conducted searches at a property in Braintree, have reported that two individuals, aged 57 and 32, are in custody for interrogation by detectives. Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and his spouse Scott Hutchison are scheduled to appear in Up The Jammers, a documentary series documenting their management of Non-League team Maldon & Tiptree. The raids pose a significant challenge for ITV as the documentary is set to premiere next Wednesday.
An Essex Police spokesperson stated, “Today, Wednesday, May 6, detectives leading an investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape, and other sexual offenses have made two arrests and executed several warrants.”
“Authorities from the Serious Crime Directorate at Essex Police have conducted synchronized searches of properties in Danbury, Maldon, and Braintree as part of the investigation. Ongoing searches are being carried out at all locations.”
“Two individuals from Danbury have been arrested. A 57-year-old man is detained on suspicion of rape, human trafficking for sexual exploitation, and administering a harmful substance.”
“A 32-year-old man is detained on suspicion of rape, human trafficking for sexual exploitation, and administering a harmful substance. Both individuals are under custody for questioning by detectives.”
The outspoken owner of Maldon and Tiptree has asserted that the upcoming six-part show revealing their club’s journey to win the league is transparent. MirrorOnline has reached out to ITV for a response.
The multi-millionaire Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, a father of eight, and his former partner Tony Drewitt-Barlow made headlines as the first gay couple in the UK to have children through surrogacy. Despite their separation, Barrie and Tony, who have five children together, cohabit with their new partners.
Barrie mentioned in 2024, “Our family is perceived as unconventional. I am indifferent to others’ opinions about me as they do not support my finances or my children’s. They are not funding my expenses, including a new G-Wagon next month.”
The couple gained recognition when their eighth-tier club, having recently secured promotion from the Isthmian League North Division, made history in the FA Cup, with their journey ending in the first round against League One Port Vale.
Detective Inspector Lydia George, heading the investigation, encouraged individuals with pertinent information to contact the investigation team through the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) for specialized support.
Following the stadium raid, Doug Wilkinson, deputy returning officer at Maldon District Council, expressed regrets to voters. He announced via the council’s social media platforms, “Due to an ongoing police inquiry, I have relocated the polling station from the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium to Blackwater Leisure Centre.”
“Voters originally scheduled at the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium will now vote at Blackwater Leisure Centre. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this sudden change.”
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