Former Hampshire Police Chief Constable Accused of Affairs with Junior Officers

A misconduct hearing has been told that former Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Chief Constable Scott Chilton, 52, "abused his position" and showed a "lack of self control" by having affairs with two junior officers.

Chilton, who was a married superintendent at the time of the first alleged relationship, is accused of beginning a sexual relationship with a sergeant between 2008 and 2012. Some of this activity allegedly occurred while he was on duty. Lawyers representing the Police and Crime Commissioner also accused him of "barefaced, brazen dishonesty" regarding his claims that this first affair did not happen.

The former chief constable reportedly turned up at the sergeant's police station in a "smart car" to end their relationship, the panel was told. The woman later achieved the rank of inspector.

Weeks after being appointed Chief Constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary in February 2023, Chilton allegedly began a relationship with a second junior colleague, who also went on to become an inspector. He is accused of then pressuring this woman to delete text messages when he feared their affair was about to be exposed.

Chilton retired "prematurely" from his role in April 2025 after the allegations first emerged. He has admitted to one of the "historic relationships between consenting adults" but "strongly disputed" the second alleged relationship.

At the hearing in Eastleigh on Monday, it was stated that Chilton would not be attending due to "medical issues." Michelle Skeer, chairwoman of His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, ruled the hearing should continue in his absence.

John Beggs KC, representing the Office of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner, informed the hearing that Chilton faced four charges relating to the relationships with two female officers, referred to as Officer A and Officer B.

Regarding Officer A, the alleged relationship between 2008 and 2012, Chilton is also accused of "repetitively failing to disclose" it and attempting to "avoid a referral" to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in February 2025.

In an interview, Officer A reportedly stated: "The affair happened and it was consensual. It was sexual and we had intercourse on a number of occasions. I was single at the time of the affair."

Chilton admitted the relationship with Officer B, which occurred shortly after he took up his chief constable post. However, he denied that he had "abused his position for a sexual purpose." Beggs argued that Chilton's failure to declare this relationship "epitomises the lack of honesty and integrity on his part," and that he "failed to demonstrate self control and abused his authority towards officer B."

Beggs described Chilton, who is "highly experienced and forensically aware," as having "applied pressure to her to delete or conceal evidence concerning the relationship."

In his statement, Chilton said: "I fully accept that my actions in not disclosing that relationship fell short of the standards that police officers are judged by.

"These were personal matters, rather than issues affecting policing or public safety, and at no point did this relationship influence policing decisions, operational matters, or the discharge of professional responsibilities.

"I strongly dispute some of the issues raised by this investigation, but resolution was required. However, I regret the embarrassment and distraction this has caused."

He added that his "deepest regret" was for his family "for the hurt caused by my poor judgment and actions."

The hearing continues.