Ex-chief constable admits misconduct over affair

The former chief constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has admitted misconduct over an extra-marital affair while he was in the post.

Scott Chilton, who retired from the force last year, is facing a police standards tribunal over alleged relationships with two female officers.

He "actively sought" to prevent an investigation into a previous alleged affair, which he denies, the tribunal heard.

Chilton also denies abusing his position as chief constable for a sexual purpose.

At the start of Monday's hearing in Eastleigh, Chilton's barrister said he was no longer instructed to represent him.

James Berry KC said: "Scott Chilton is not here... He has suffered medical issues as a result of the misconduct process.

"This morning, it became clear that Mr Chilton will be unable to attend or participate in this hearing."

The tribunal agreed to proceed without hearing from witnesses in the case.

John Beggs KC, prosecuting, said the first relationship with Officer A, which Chilton denies, took place some time between 2008 and 2012.

He said the pair had sex while Chilton was on duty as a chief inspector or superintendent.

In February 2025, Chilton became "verbally aggressive" and "agitated" at a meeting with senior officials that discussed Officer A's allegation, the tribunal heard.

Swearing repeatedly, he appeared to try to "tell everyone to back off", the panel was told.

Subsequently, details emerged of a second affair, which started in 2023, a few months after Chilton became Hampshire's chief constable, Beggs said.

Chilton put pressure on Officer B, telling her to "delete and double-delete" messages and instructing her: "You're not going to say anything," the barrister added.

He later confessed to the relationship, the tribunal was told.

Chilton denies applying pressure and also denies that any of his behaviour amounted to gross misconduct, the panel heard.

In a statement before the hearing, Chilton said: "The matters being heard this week relate to [historical] relationships between consenting adults, one which I accept and another which I do not.

"I fully accept that my actions in not disclosing that relationship fell short of the standards that police officers are judged by."

He said his behaviour did not influence policing decisions.

He added: "My deepest regret is to my family for the hurt caused by my poor judgement and actions."

Chilton began his police career in 1992, becoming chief constable of Dorset Police in 2021 before taking the same role in Hampshire in 2023.

He was previously the national lead for chief constables for both investigations and tactics, training and equipment.

The tribunal was adjourned until Wednesday.

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