Scott Chilton, the former chief constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, has admitted misconduct relating to an extramarital affair conducted while he held the post. Chilton, who retired from the force in April 2025 after nearly 33 years in policing, is defending himself at a police standards tribunal over alleged relationships with two female officers. He denies actively seeking to prevent an investigation into a previous alleged affair and denies abusing his position as chief constable for sexual purposes.
The tribunal hearing began on 5 October 2026 at the Holiday Inn on Leigh Road in Eastleigh. At the outset, Chilton's barrister announced he was no longer instructed to represent him. James Berry KC told the panel:
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 chair, Michelle Skeer, ruled that proceedings should continue in Chilton's absence, and the panel agreed to proceed without hearing from witnesses in the case.
The prosecution outlined four charges relating to the two officers. According to regional news coverage, John Beggs KC, prosecuting, described the first relationship with Officer A, which Chilton denies, as taking place sometime between 2008 and 2012. He told the tribunal that the pair engaged in sexual activity 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 who were discussing Officer A's allegation, the tribunal heard. Swearing repeatedly, he appeared to attempt to pressure everyone to abandon the matter, according to the panel's account.
Second relationship and pressure tactics
Details subsequently emerged of a second affair, which began in 2023, just months after Chilton assumed the role of Hampshire's chief constable. Beggs told the tribunal that Chilton exerted pressure on Officer B, instructing her to delete messages and telling her:
You're not going to say anything. Chilton later confessed to this relationship, though he denies applying pressure to the officer and denies that his behaviour amounted to gross misconduct.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said its investigation found a case to answer for potential breaches concerning honesty and integrity; authority, respect and courtesy; orders and instructions; and discreditable conduct. The IOPC also confirmed that no criminal offences had been identified during its investigation.
Chilton's statement and career history
In a statement released before the hearing, Chilton acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. He 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 maintained that his behaviour did not influence policing decisions and expressed remorse for the personal impact of his actions.
My deepest regret is to my family for the hurt caused by my poor judgement and actions.
Chilton began his police career in 1992 and rose through the ranks to become 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 investigations and tactics, training and equipment. When he retired in April 2025, Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya was appointed acting chief constable.
What happens next
The tribunal hearing was adjourned until Wednesday, with the panel expected to continue hearing evidence and arguments from the prosecution in Chilton's absence. The outcome of the hearing will determine whether Chilton is found to have committed misconduct or gross misconduct, which could result in a range of sanctions or a finding that no misconduct occurred.
