Former Hampshire chief constable 'abused his position' for sex with junior officer and had affair while on duty, tribunal hears

From the Newshound archive · first published 5 October 2026 · last updated 6 October 2026.

Scott Chilton, 52, the former chief constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, faces allegations that he conducted a sexual relationship with a subordinate sergeant while on duty and began a second affair with another officer only weeks after assuming command of the force. Lawyers for the Police and Crime Commissioner described him as guilty of 'barefaced, brazen dishonesty' in his denials. He is alleged to have pressured the second officer to erase text messages once he grew concerned the relationship was about to come to light. Chilton stepped down in April 2025 during an active investigation and was absent from the Eastleigh hearing, citing medical grounds.

Chilton acknowledges one 'historic relationship between consenting adults' but firmly denies the other alleged affair.

He is accused of repeatedly lying to senior figures about the first relationship and attempting to block a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in February 2025.

His own barrister withdrew from representing him at the hearing, which the disciplinary panel ruled would continue in his absence.