Home / Crime and Justice / Essex Couple Arrested in Major Trafficking Probe
Essex Couple Arrested in Major Trafficking Probe
23 May
Summary
- Two men charged with rape, sexual assault, and trafficking offenses.
- Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and Scott Drewitt-Barlow bought Maldon and Tiptree FC in 2025.
- The accused are in custody awaiting court appearances in Chelmsford.
Two men have been charged with serious offences, including rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking for exploitation. Richard Howard-Smith, aged 35, and Eldred Reames, aged 24, both residing in Danbury, Essex, were arrested on Thursday.
They were subsequently charged with multiple offences and were expected to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Saturday. The ongoing investigation has involved searches of Maldon and Tiptree Football Club, among other locations.
Earlier, on 8 May, Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, and his husband Scott Drewitt-Barlow, 32, also of Danbury, were arrested. The couple had purchased the football club in 2025. They now face charges of rape, sexual offences, and human trafficking for exploitation.
All individuals charged are currently in custody. Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and Scott Drewitt-Barlow are scheduled to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 5 June, while the court date for Howard-Smith and Reames was set for Saturday.
