Two further men charged in ongoing sexual offences investigation

If anyone has information relating to our investigation we would ask they contact us via our Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP).

We have also set up an incident room which you can call on 0800 051 4526 or 0207 126 7612 for international callers.

Victims of sexual offences have anonymity for life under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and nothing should be published that could lead to them being identified.

Two more people have been charged as part of an investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences.

Both men were arrested on Thursday 21 May and have been questioned on suspicion of a number of offences.

We have now been authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service to charge two men with multiple offences including rape and sexual assault.

Richard Howard-Smith, 35, and Eldred Reames, 24, both of Southwood Chase, Danbury, have been remanded into custody to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 23 May.

This investigation has already seen two other men charged.

57-year-old Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and 32-year-old Scott Drewitt-Barlow, both of Southwood Chase, Danbury, are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 5 June and will remain in custody until then.

Detectives who are continuing to progress an investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences have today arrested two more people.

At this stage, the investigation has already seen two people charged.

57-year-old Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and 32-year-old Scott Drewitt-Barlow, both of Southwood Chase, Danbury, are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 5 June and will remain in custody until then. 

On Thursday 21 May, two additional men were arrested on suspicion of sexual offences.

One man, aged 35, was arrested in Danbury whilst a second man, 24, was arrested at an address in the Thames Valley area.

They both remain in custody.

Detective Inspector Lydia George, of our Serious Crime Directorate, is leading the investigation. She said:

“This investigation is continuing, with a significant number of detectives and staff working through crucial enquiries.
“I would again appeal to anyone reading or hearing this who has information they feel ready to share with us to please come forward and contact us through the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP). When you make contact, the investigation team will provide you with any specialist support you may need.”

Detectives have secured charges against two men in connection with an investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences.

Officers from the Serious Crime Directorate at Essex Police carried co-ordinated searches at premises in Danbury, Maldon, and Braintree on Wednesday 6 May and arrested two men.

Since then we have been liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service.

We can now confirm that 57 year-old Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and 32 year-old Scott Drewitt-Barlow, both of Southwood Chase, Danbury, have both been charged with multiple offences including rape, sexual assault, and modern slavery trafficking for sexual exploitation.

They are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 5 June and will remain in custody until then. 

Detectives leading an investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences have today, Wednesday 6 May, made two arrests and carried out a series of warrants.

Officers from the Serious Crime Directorate at Essex Police have today carried out co-ordinated 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.

Both men remain in custody where they are being questioned by detectives.

Detective Inspector Lydia George, who is leading the investigation, said:

“If anyone has any information they feel ready to share with us, I would ask them to contact us via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) and the investigation team will provide you with any specialist support required.”

Follow the link to share information via the MIPP.

We have also set up an incident room which you can call on 0800 096 0095 or 0207 1580125 for international callers.

Synergy Essex offers free, confidential help to anyone in Essex affected by rape, sexual abuse, or sexual violence - whether it happened recently or in the past.

It’s made up of three expert services:

• Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse
• Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service
• Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis

You don’t need to report anything to the police to get support. You can contact Synergy Essex directly, or ask someone you trust, like a friend, family member or professional, to refer you.

Support is available for all ages and includes:

• Counselling (in person, online or by phone).
• Emotional and practical help.
• Guidance from Independent Sexual Violence Advisers if you choose to report the crime.

Their First Contact team can talk you through your options and help you get started.

Find out more on the Synergy Essex website.