Maldon town councillor arrested amid sex trafficking investigation – statement in full

Investigation - a Maldon town councillor has been arrested. (Credit: Ben Shahrabi)

A MALDON town councillor has been charged amid a police investigation into alleged sex trafficking and other sexual offences.

Richard Howard-Smith, aged 35, was arrested on Thursday, May 21, along with Eldred Reames, aged 24.

The men, both of Southwood Chase in Danbury, have been charged with multiple offences including rape and sexual assault.

Richard Howard-Smith was co-opted to Maldon Town Council in June 2025, representing the west ward. He is also operations director/vice chairman of Maldon & Tiptree Football Club.

He and Eldred Reames have been remanded into custody and are due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 23 May.

The charges come after two men were arrested following a series of raids at premises, including Maldon & Tiptree Football Club, on May 6.

Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, aged 57, and 32 year-old Scott Drewitt-Barlow, both of Southwood Chase, Danbury, were charged with human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences.

They appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on May 8 and were remanded in custody.

The pair “strenuously denied” the allegations, and are due to appear again at Chelmsford Crown Court on 5 June.

Following the arrest of Councillor Richard Howard-Smith, Maldon Town Council has issued the following statement:

"Maldon Town Council is aware of an ongoing investigation being led by Essex Police into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences. We recognise the gravity of these allegations and the profound concern they cause within our community.

"Among those charged and currently held on remand is Town Councillor Richard Howard-Smith. Cllr Howard-Smith voluntarily stepped aside from his official duties at the outset of this investigation.

"Moving forward, his position will remain under continuous review, strictly guided by relevant legislation and advice from the appropriate authorities.

"The Council urges those with any information regarding the case to contact Essex Police via their incident room, which you can call on 0800 051 4526.

"Councillor John Driver, Mayor of Maldon, said, 'The allegations reported are deeply disturbing, and our thoughts are first and foremost with the victims.

“'As a Council, our primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of our residents. We have full confidence in the police to conduct a thorough investigation, and we urge the public to allow the investigation to take its course.'

"In relation to Council business, the Code of Conduct for Members and Standing Orders apply to ensure that the integrity of the Council’s decision-making processes remains uncompromised.

"Maldon Town Council keeps its safeguarding policy and procedures under review, to ensure the safety of children, young people and adults at risk of abuse.

"The Council would also expect those organisations it engages with to have appropriate policies and procedures in place."