UK Crime
Britain stunned as first openly gay surrogate father charged in rape, trafficking case
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, of Southwood Chase in Danbury — known as one of Britain’s first openly gay fathers through surrogacy — and Scott Drewitt-Barlow, 32, have been charged with rape and human trafficking offences, according to media reports.
The Crown Prosecution Service said the pair have been charged with arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, along with multiple sexual offences, including rape.
Officers from the Serious Crime Directorate of Essex Police carried out coordinated searches at properties in Danbury, Maldon and Braintree on Wednesday, May 6, before arresting the two men.
Appearing before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court, the defendants spoke only to confirm their dates of birth and address. They were remanded in custody, according to the BBC.
The Crown Prosecution Service said Barrie Drewitt-Barlow has been charged with:
Three counts of sexual assault on a male
Four counts of rape of a man aged 16 or over
Two counts of arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploitation
Scott Drewitt-Barlow has been charged with:
One count of sexual assault on a male
One count of rape of a man aged 16 or over
Two counts of arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploitation
Christian Meikle of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to charge Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and Scott Drewitt-Barlow following a police investigation into alleged human trafficking for sexual exploitation and rape.”
He added: “Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and Scott Drewitt-Barlow have each been charged with arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, as well as other sexual offences including rape.”
“We have worked closely with Essex Police as it carried out its investigation,” Meikle said.
The case is expected to proceed through the UK court system in the coming weeks.
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