Britain's first gay surrogate parent and his partner are facing a trial next year accused of grooming young men for sexual exploitation, as police said they have been charged with further alleged offences.

Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, and 32-year-old Scott Drewitt-Barlow were not asked to enter pleas when they appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday.

Prosecutor Louise Oakley KC said they face a trial from January 18 2027 with a time estimate of eight to 10 weeks. The men, both of Danbury, Essex, face multiple charges including rape, sexual assault, and modern slavery trafficking for sexual exploitation.

They were remanded in custody until a further hearing on September 7 when they are due to be asked for pleas.

Prosecutor Serena Berry told an earlier hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court: "Barrie Drewitt-Barlow is in a relationship with Scott Drewitt-Barlow... they are what could be termed to be celebrities, who live multi-million (pound) lifestyles and have featured in many documentaries and reality TV shows.

"They own the Maldon and Tiptree football club, and they have other businesses in the Essex area and also abroad in other countries. It is alleged they have both targeted young males, they have recruited them, they have befriended them, they have groomed them. They have invited them to their home and other premises."

Barrie Drewitt-Barlow became Britain's first gay surrogate parent in 1999. Barrie Drewitt-Barlow had been charged with three counts of sexual assault on a male, four counts of rape of a man 16 or over, and two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.

Scott Drewitt-Barlow had been charged with one count of sexual assault on a male, one count of rape of a man 16 or over, and two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.

On Monday, Essex Police said that both men had been charged with further alleged offences. The force said that Barrie Drewitt-Barlow had been additionally charged with 15 further alleged offences.

These include: two counts of sexual activity with a child; two counts of paying for sexual services of a child; five counts of rape; four counts of sexual assault; causing an individual to engage in sexual activity without consent; causing or inciting sexual activity.

The force said that Scott Drewitt-Barlow had been additionally charged with two counts of rape, and one count of causing or inciting sexual activity.