A former Hampshire police officer allegedly touched the bottom of a constable during a series of inappropriate incidents, a misconduct hearing has heard.

Former Police Federation chair, John Apter denies three allegations of gross misconduct between 2019 and 2021. 

The now-retired Hampshire police officer enjoyed a 30-year career and was chairman of the federation, which represents the interests of over 130,000 officers, from 2018 to 2021. 

READ MORE: Follow live updates from the misconduct hearing of PC John Apter

One incident is alleged to have taken place on a night out in December 2021 ahead of the Police Bravery Awards, where he was is reported to have been seen acting inappropriately around a junior female constable from another force.

Cecily White, representing the appropriate authority, Hampshire Constabulary, said Apter was seen putting his arm around the woman - known as Female A in the hearing - as well as placing his hand on her bottom as she moved seat and whispering in her ear 'Is that ok?'.

The incident started as a large group of officers were drinking at a pub before heading to a restaurant.

Having arrived at about 5pm, they were seen on CCTV dancing and drinking with PC Apter joining the group at dinner later on. 

Ms White said: "He bought [Female A] a bottle of prosecco whilst everyone else got a single drink, continually topping her drink, giving her the impression that he was trying to get her drunk, directing all his comments to her.

"It made her feel uncomfortable."

Female A  went outside at one point with PC Apter following her before the group moved to the restaurant. 

PC Apter was seen walking with his hand on Female A's back and his 'palm by her waist' and was later seen with 'both his hands on her hips' when they reached the restaurant - making her feel 'very uncomfortable'.

Other officers saw PC Apter's 'whole hand on her bottom, going in a circular motion and squeezing at least once'.

The group then came to the table when it was ready and Female A moved to one end of the table, the hearing was told.

Ms White said: "PC Apter darted over to the table and gestured for Female A to move along the bench where she was sitting so he could sit next to her.

"She reluctantly shuffled down to let him sit next to her.

"As she stands up to shuffle, it's alleged that he placed his right hand on her right bottom cheek and kept it there.

"She said he moved his head towards her ear and whispers 'is that OK?'"

Ms White said PC Apter's behaviour was 'disrespectful and discourteous' and expressed her displeasure about how PC Apter behaved.

PC Apter was said to be 'intoxicated' and 'stumbling on the stairs' but claimed he had been buying drinks for the group rather than Female A herself.

He also claimed in his response to investigators that he had scratched the back of the officer as she said it had been itching but denied any misconduct.

During a separate incident, Apter was attending a roads policing conference in 2020 when he made "sickening" and "sexually suggestive" comments about Lissie Harper, the panel heard. 

Ms Harper, the widow of PC Andrew Harper, was collecting a posthumous award for her husband. 

Apter and others were in a huddle of people discussing how to take care of her when he is alleged to have said: "I'd like to comfort her in my hotel room." 

PC Harper, a 28-year-old officer with Thames Valley Police, was killed in 2019 when a getaway car dragged him to his death.

He had been with Mrs Harper for 12 years, having been together since they were at school.

Three teenagers were jailed for his manslaughter.

The final allegation relates to comments made to Charlotte Styles who was working as internal communications officer at the Police Federation at the time. 

Ms Styles was about to take maternity leave when Apter is said to have commented: "You have actually got an **** now you are pregnant" or "Maybe you will get a bum now".

But giving evidence, Ms Styles said the comment would have been made in a "really jokey way" adding: "It didn't strike me as anything I needed to be offended by.

"We all had a very close working relationship. It was just a flippant comment.

"He's probably one of the most credible people I've worked with."

The allegations were later shared with the Police Federation in an exit interview by Jamie Simpson, an outgoing communications officer.

He said there was 'blatant hypocrisy amongst the principal officers', adding: "On one hand they preach to members about sexism and misogyny, yet some of the things I have overheard the same people say about women associated with the organisation, even the widow of an officer, is sickening."

Rounding up her opening on Tuesday, Cecily White said: "There are similarities in the flavour of all three allegations in the sense that they are all demeaning, derogatory, or sexually suggestive in nature. 

"Your main task at this stage is to review and find the facts found proven."

She added that his role as chairman of the Federation 'placed him in significant power and authority' and that the allegations are "plainly capable of bringing discredit on the police service".

The misconduct hearing, taking place at Hampshire Constabulary's strategic HQ on Leigh Road, Eastleigh, is due to last nine days.

In February 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service announced it would not be pursuing criminal charges against Mr Apter.

The hearing continues.