One of the UK's 'first gay parents' was accused of rape and human trafficking

British businessman Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, known for being one of the “first gay parents” in the United Kingdom, and her husband Scott Hutchison were accused of rape, sexual assault and trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual exploitation, as part of a lawsuit linked to slavery

.

Both must appear before the Chelmsford Magistrates Court, after the Essex Police moved forward with an investigation that included searches of different properties linked to the couple.

The main proceeding took place in the house they both share in Danbury, where police officers broke in after forcing entry by tearing down a wooden fence.

An operation was deployed at the site with forensic units and several police vehicles, while inspection tasks were being carried out. Simultaneously, searches were also carried out on properties located in the nearby towns of Braintree

and Maldon.

According to an official statement from Essex Police, “detectives have brought charges against two men in connection with an investigation into human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences.”

The “first homosexual parents”

The case also acquires public relevance because of the businessman's profile. Drewitt-Barlow had made the news in 1999 with his then partner Tony, when they became one of the first homosexual couples in the United Kingdom

to have children through surrogacy.

In the sports field, the businessman acquired the amateur club Maldon and Tiptree FC 14 months ago, and he planned to star in an ITV documentary about his management and his plans to revive the institution. However, the series was canceled after the allegations became known

.

In parallel, Drewitt-Barlow had participated in different television programs, such as Rich House, Poor House and Below Deck Sailing Yacht, in addition to allowing a stranger to live in his house as part of a reality television program.

The investigation remains ongoing as the defendants face serious charges including sexual offences and human trafficking, in a case that already has an impact on both the judicial and media spheres in the United Kingdom.