Full Breakdown
Former Hampshire Chief Constable Found Guilty of Gross Misconduct Over Sexual Relationships
By Drooid · · How we work
Misconduct Findings
A misconduct hearing in Eastleigh concluded that Scott Chilton, 53, who retired as chief constable of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in April 2025, committed four charges of gross misconduct. The panel determined that Chilton had consensual sexual relationships with two subordinate officers—referred to as Officer A (2008-2012, while he was a superintendent) and Officer B (beginning shortly after he became chief constable in February 2023). In both cases he repeatedly failed to disclose the relationships, engaged in sexual activity while on duty, and used his authority to pressure Officer B to conceal the affairs.
Evidence and Panel Reasoning
The hearing heard that Chilton discussed confidential policing matters with Officer B via WhatsApp and instructed her to “delete and double delete” messages, illustrating a power imbalance. The misconduct finding meant Chilton would have been dismissed had he not resigned; he is now placed on the College of Policing’s barred officers list, prohibiting any future police employment.
Official Statements & Responses
John Beggs KC, representing the Office of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner, highlighted that the allegations surfaced during disciplinary proceedings against former DCI Roger Wood, who had accused Chilton of “having affairs.” Chilton’s own statement admitted the relationship with Officer B, disputed the claim about Officer A, and expressed “deepest regret” for the hurt caused his family.
Scope of Related Misconduct
Since Chilton’s appointment as chief constable, roughly 20 misconduct cases have been recorded in Hampshire, with about five involving senior-junior officer relationships.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He was in the highest position of trust as the most senior officer in the constabulary and ought to have known the foreseeable risk of harm by having a covert relationship,” — Michelle Skeer, chairwoman
- “He repeatedly lied by act and omission about both his relationships with Officer A and Officer B and he knew that this was wrong. His conduct was a serious, deliberate and sustained attempt to mislead … to subvert any negative impact on himself.” — Michelle Skeer, chairwoman