India, May 9 -- Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, of Southwood Chase in Danbury - known as one of Britain's first openly gay fathers through surrogacy - and Scott Drewitt-Barlow, 32, have been charged with rape and human trafficking offences, according to media reports.

The Crown Prosecution Service said the pair have been charged with arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, along with multiple sexual offences, including rape.

Appearing before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court, the defendants spoke only to confirm their dates of birth and address. They were remanded in custody, according to the BBC.

The Crown Prosecution Service said Barrie Drewitt-Barlow has been charged with:

Four counts of rape of a...