A ‘Walter Mitty’ chief constable could face criminal charges over claims he misrepresented his military service in the Falklands War.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has referred a file of evidence on Nick Adderley, of Northamptonshire Police, following claims he ‘stole valour’ and wore a Falklands War campaign medal despite only being 15 at the time of conflict.
In February, Mr Adderley was granted a private gross misconduct hearing after he was suspended.
A referral to the CPS means the IOPC investigation has indicated that a criminal offence may have been committed, but this does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow.
In a statement issued last year, Mr Adderley said he had always worn his own medals alongside two medals his brothers gave him to wear when one became critically ill and one moved overseas.
Nick Adderley could face criminal charges over claims he misrepresented his military service in the Falklands War
Mr Adderley would reportedly have only been 15 years old at the time of the conflict with Argentina in 1982
As well as expressing disappointment at what he said he were ‘leaked’ details of a ‘very personal family issue’, the suspended police chief said he had changed the side of his chest on which he wore his brothers’ medals after seeking advice.
IOPC regional director Emily Barry said on Wednesday: ‘Following careful investigation, we have now submitted an evidential report to the Crown Prosecution Service. It will be for the CPS to consider whether to bring any criminal charge.
‘A referral to the CPS is made when the IOPC investigation indicates that a criminal offence may have been committed.
‘It does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow. The CPS will decide whether charges should be brought, based on the test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.’
The IOPC produced a report earlier this year recommending that Mr Adderley should face a gross misconduct hearing.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire Stephen Mold announced in February that the hearing by an independent panel would take place in private.
Mr Adderley took over as head of the Northamptonshire force in 2018 after joining the police service in 1992 and serving in Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Staffordshire.
He is reported to have been 15 years old during the Falklands War but has been pictured wearing the South Atlantic Medal at numerous events, including an awards ceremony hosted by his force in December 2022.
Video footage has revealed how Mr Adderley – who earns £165,000-a-year – flaunted the South Atlantic Medal, which was awarded to British military personnel who served in the 1982 war between Britain and Argentina.
Mr Adderley pinned the 1982 campaign medal to his chest – despite not joining the Royal Navy until two years later
A photo from 2020 appears to show brother Rick wearing his Falklands medal – despite Adderley claiming he was given it in 2013
Adderley wore the medal to multiple events over the years since his brother’s emigration
Adderley pictured at the funeral for PC Nicola Hughes, who was killed on duty, in October 2012
British soldiers during the Falklands Conflict in June 1982, at which time Nick Adderley would have been 15
A complaint was received from a member of the public, before a mandatory referral of the complaint was made to the IPOC who are now looking into the allegations.
‘Stolen Valour’ is the term commonly applied to the act of wearing military medals or decorations that have not been earned with the intent to deceive.
It is not an offence in the UK for individuals to wear medals or decorations that they were not awarded – but it is an offence to wear a military medal without permission, according to the UK Parliament’s briefing on Stolen Valour.
Mr Adderley’s version of events have came under scrutiny in the past.
He claimed that he had served in the Royal Navy for a decade before joining the police force in 1992.
But court documents reported in The Sun show he held a licence to sell alcohol at the Hooton Arms pub in Wirral, Merseyside, from 1989 to 1990.
The police chief served in the Navy for two years, worked as a lorry driver and sold houses for six years as a civilian, according to contemporaries.
Mr Adderley took over as head of the Northamptonshire force in 2018 after joining the police service in 1992 and serving in Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Staffordshire.
Mr Adderley was suspended following the allegations made against him and the force has an acting chief constable, Ivan Balhatchet.
In 2021 Chief Constable Adderley was referred to the police watchdog following the tragic death of Harry Dunn after the 19-year-old was struck and killed by US citizen Anne Sacoolas, who then fled the country.
Internal emails showed he described the spokesman for the family as an ‘issue’.
