THE former head of the Police Federation and one of Hampshire's longest-serving officers will not face prosecution after allegations of sexual assault. 

John Apter, who chaired the Police Federation of England and Wales between 2018 and 2021, will not be prosecuted, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said. 

The retired officer, who worked for the police for more than 30 years, was immediately suspended when allegations surfaced in December 2021. 

But after a file was prepared for the CPS on two counts of sexual assault, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) was told that "evidence did not meet the threshold for prosecution". 

READ MORE: Hampshire police constable suspended amid sexual touching claims

A CPS spokesperson said: “We have carefully reviewed evidence relating to two allegations of sexual assault following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“The case failed to meet our legal test for a prosecution.

“The complainants have received a full explanation in writing and have been informed of the victims’ right to review.”

Mr Apter, who retired in April last year, is now facing a misconduct hearing, though a date for this is yet to be set. 

An IOPC spokesperson said the watchdog completed its investigation in June 2022 which has since been denied by the CPS.

“We also found an indication of gross misconduct for potential breaches of the police professional standards of behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy; equality and diversity; and conduct.

“We will now liaise with the force as it arranges a misconduct hearing.”

Mr Apter had been an officer since 1992 and was elected chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, which represents 130,000 officers, in July 2018.

Allegations against him relate to four alleged breaches of professional standards in 2021.

Previously described as a "friend" by then Home Secretary, Priti Patel, he was also Chair of Hampshire's Police Federation for eight years before the step up.

He held a variety of uniformed roles including response, neighbourhood, traffic, road death investigation and family liaison.

Hampshire police and the Police Federation have been approached for comment.