Former Hampshire police chief Scott Chilton has admitted failing to disclose a relationship fell below professional standards, as his gross misconduct hearing begins.

In a statement issued on Monday, October 5, the former chief constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary accepted one relationship but denied another.

He also apologised for the hurt caused to his family.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigated allegations concerning two undisclosed sexual relationships with fellow officers, one before and another after he became chief constable.

The allegations include failing to disclose a previous relationship during his application for the chief constable role, having sex with an officer while on duty and repeatedly denying that relationship dishonestly to senior figures.

He is also alleged to have abused his position for a sexual purpose by having an undisclosed relationship with an officer while chief constable.

The disciplinary panel will determine whether the allegations are proven and amount to gross misconduct.

Mr Chilton said: “The matters being heard this week relate to historic 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 described the relationships as personal matters and said the relationship he acknowledged had not influenced policing decisions, operational matters or his professional responsibilities.

“I strongly dispute some of the issues raised by this investigation, but resolution was required,” he said.

Mr Chilton retired in April 2025 while under investigation. In his statement, he said he had left voluntarily because it felt right in the circumstances.

“My deepest regret is to my family for the hurt caused by my poor judgement and actions. I take full responsibility for my decisions,” he said.

He also questioned the investigation’s duration, saying he had made admissions 18 months ago.

While acknowledging the importance of independent scrutiny and accountability, he questioned whether the process had been “fair, necessary and proportionate to everyone involved” and criticised what he described as its heavy cost to the public.

Mr Chilton, who served in policing for 33 years, thanked former colleagues for their dedication.

“Having acknowledged my mistakes and accepted the consequences, I am now focused on moving forward,” he said.

The hearing continues today.