Todd's chaotic love life 'damaged the police'

The document, which followed an investigation into the private life of the former chief constable of Greater Manchester police, said his string of affairs left him open to blackmail and could have impeded his judgment and integrity.

But Sir Paul Scott-Lee, the chief constable of West Midlands Police who was asked to compile the 12-page report after Mr Todd, 50, was found dead near the summit of Snowdon, concluded his personal life had not affected his ability to do his job or adversely impacted on his duties. His inquiry team, which interviewed 150 people over 10 months, found that his double life had embarrassed the police force.

The report added: "His lifestyle has not only affected his family but also adversely impacted upon the reputation of the police service."

Mr Todd died from exposure at Bwlch Glas, on 11 March last year, when his state of mind was affected by alcohol, the sleeping drug Nytol and confusion due to his personal situation. It was only after his death that details of his relationships with other women emerged. An inquest heard how he had sent final text messages asking for forgiveness in "another life".

It is understood he became depressed and suicidal over his tangled love life after his wife, Carolyn, 47, confronted him about an affair with a Manchester businesswoman. The report established that Mr Todd had a "wide range of relationships with different women". "Some categorically deny any intimate behaviour, whereas others have acknowledged an affair or sexual encounter," it said.

It concluded that Mr Todd's personal life was "complicated" and the effect on his family and the police service must not be underestimated.

Once tipped as a potential candidate for Britain's top police job as head of Scotland Yard, Mr Todd landed the GMP job in October 2002, moving from a high-profile post at the Met. Police bosses today said they might not have renewed his contract if they had known about his affairs, which included at least five with police colleagues.

Authority chairman, Councillor Paul Murphy, said: "We are pleased that the report makes clear that when the police authority appointed Michael we had all the available information on him. However, had the authority been aware of the information recorded in Sir Paul's report, there is no doubt that the discussion relating to the extension of his appointment may have reached a different conclusion."