A Falklands War medal worn by suspended Chief Constable Nick Adderley, accused of exaggerating his naval record, is believed to be false, a misconduct panel has heard. The hearing, held at Northampton Saints Stadium, revealed allegations that Mr Adderley, of Northamptonshire Police, constructed a “legend that wasn’t true” to depict himself as a Falklands War veteran, despite being only 15 when the conflict began in April 1982.
Mr Adderley, who has denied misconduct and acting without integrity, is accused of inflating his rank, length of service, and naval achievements. This includes wearing a Falklands War medal he did not earn, falsely claiming to be a Royal Navy officer, and asserting that he attended the Britannia Royal Naval College, despite his application being rejected.
John Beggs, KC, representing the Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC), stated that these “deceits” were not suggested to have been instrumental in Mr Adderley’s appointment as chief constable in August 2018. However, he emphasized that Mr Adderley “plainly should not deceive those who were considering his application.”
Suspended following these allegations, Mr Adderley arrived for the first day of the hearing on Tuesday in full uniform, attempting to avoid the press by entering through a side door.
His counsel reiterated Mr Adderley’s denial of misconduct and acting without integrity, though he admitted to breaching standards related to duties and responsibilities.
Mr. Beggs detailed the claims against Mr. Adderley, stating he had falsely asserted seeing active service during his naval career, being a military negotiator in Haiti, and holding the rank of “commander or lieutenant.” These claims were described as “enormous exaggerations,” with Mr Adderley having only ever been an able seaman before being discharged after two years of service. Mr Beggs added that Mr Adderley “allowed or promoted the notion that he served in the Falklands.
A South Atlantic Medal, awarded to British military personnel and civilians for service in the Falklands War, which Mr Adderley had worn on several occasions and claimed belonged to his brother, is “not believed to be a valid medal,” Mr Beggs said.
This case is not about whether Mr Adderley made a positive contribution to Northants Police,” Mr Beggs told the panel, chaired by Callum Cowx. It is about whether he has, over many years, deliberately advanced a false narrative to exaggerate his service, rank, and achievements in the Royal Navy and allowed or promoted the notion that he served in the Falklands.
He continued, “To claim you served your country when in fact you were 15 years old is an egregious thing to have done by any person, let alone a senior police officer.
Mr. Beggs also noted that Mr. Adderley had failed to correct several media articles and publications that mentioned “falsehoods” in his career history over the years. Additionally, incorrect information was found on his CV and application form when he applied for the chief constable role.
He was never a leader in the Royal Navy in any reasonable or ordinary sense; he was the lowest rank among ratings,” Mr Beggs added. He described himself as a commended officer, but he received no formal commendations or medals. Later he was to suggest by ‘commended’ he meant people had told him he had ‘done a good job.’
The hearing continues.
