The former head of the Police Federation made a sexually suggestive remark about the grieving widow of a police officer killed in the line of duty, a misconduct panel was told.

John Apter is accused of saying he wanted to comfort Lissie Harper in his hotel room as she prepared to collect a posthumous award on behalf of her husband, Andrew Harper, who was dragged to his death while trying to stop a gang of quad bike thieves in 2019.

Mr Apter, who was chairman of the Police Federation between 2018 and 2021, allegedly told colleagues: “I wouldn’t mind looking after her tonight” and “I’d like to comfort her in my hotel room”.

A gross misconduct panel also heard the former Hampshire constable groped a much younger officer’s bottom and made a suggestive comment to a pregnant colleague while attending the annual Police Bravery Awards.

Barrister Cecily White, representing Hampshire Constabulary, told the misconduct hearing there was a “pattern” to Mr Apter’s behaviour, which she said was “sexist and derogatory”.

“There are significant similarities between the allegations that different people have made from different perspectives which show an unfortunate attitude towards women in the workplace,” Ms White said.

She added that his role as chairman “placed him in significant power and authority”.