A woman has appeared in court accused of harassing Hampshire's top elected police boss.

Teresa Skelton, of Hyde Close, Winchester, has been charged with harassing the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire, Donna Jones, between July 2, 2021 and April 10, 2024.

It is alleged that on two or more occasions, the former Winchester candidate for the Justice and Anti-Corruption Party, pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the harassment of Ms Jones when she was attending events or meetings in her capacity as PCC.

Skelton allegedly confronted her by "either approaching her closely, raising your voice [and] following and/or filming her", the charge states.

The 64-year-old appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court with the public gallery packed by supporters as the district judge made arrangements for a trial.

She is yet to enter a plea to the charge of harassment without violence, court documents reveal.

Following the hearing, which lasted more than an hour on Tuesday morning, a group of her supporters joined her outside Southampton Crown Court, adjacent to the magistrates' court, holding banners in support.

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Ms Thornton, prosecuting, said the Crown Prosecution Service would be calling ten witnesses, and three police witnesses to testify during the case.

Skelton will also be calling seven witnesses in her defence, including former Hampshire Constabulary Chief Constable Scott Chilton.

As previously reported in the Echo, Mr Chilton retired from his position in April and is under investigation for gross misconduct.

It was alleged that he had two undisclosed relationships with junior officers.

The trial, due to be heard at the magistrates' court, will take place over six days, from Monday, May 18, to Monday, May 25 next year.

In the meantime, Skelton has been placed on conditional bail, with conditions not to contact Ms Jones, either directly or indirectly, or attend events Ms Jones is known or expected to attend.

Additionally, she has been barred from posting any videos or comments on social media regarding the trial or Ms Jones.

Donna Jones has been Hampshire's PCC since 2021, and recently announced her plans to stand in the upcoming Hampshire and Solent region's mayoral election.