Top British Police Officer Nick Adderley Sacked for Gross Misconduct Over False Military Claims

A British senior police officer, Nick Adderley,  who fabricated his military credentials, was dismissed after a disciplinary panel found him guilty of gross misconduct.

The former chief constable of Northamptonshire Police came under scrutiny for falsely portraying his military service, including wearing a counterfeit South Atlantic medal meant for Falklands War veterans.

Adderley, who had been on full pay since his suspension in October last year, faced allegations of exaggerating his rank, length of service, and naval achievements during his tenure. The disciplinary panel, chaired by Callum Cowx, a veteran of the Royal Navy, British Army, and police service, concluded a five-day hearing by unanimously ruling against Adderley.

Describing his actions as “staggeringly audacious,” the panel condemned Adderley’s years of deceit, noting that his lies undermined the integrity of the police service. Consequently, Adderley was dismissed without notice and placed on the police barred list, barring him from future employment in law enforcement.

The investigation revealed a pattern of deception in Adderley’s career. He falsified his curriculum vitae and job application, claiming a decade of Royal Navy service when he had only served for two years, including time in the Sea Cadets from age 10.

Mr Adderley was pictured wearing a South Atlantic medal (far left of the five), which turned out to be fake (Picture: PA Wire)

Despite being rejected from the institution, Adderley also falsely asserted attendance at Britannia Royal Naval College for four years.

Among the most egregious falsehoods was Adderley’s claim of being a military negotiator in Haiti, a country he had never visited.

He also misrepresented his rank, asserting a higher status than he had achieved—only attaining the rank of able seaman despite claiming to have reached commander or lieutenant rank.

The pinnacle of Adderley’s deception was wearing a counterfeit Falklands War medal, which he falsely attributed to his brother. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the medal’s illegitimacy, further exposing Adderley’s deceit.

John Beggs KC said Mr Adderley’s lies were an attempt to build a ‘military, naval legend that wasn’t true’ (Picture: PA)

During the hearing, John Beggs KC, representing the Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, labelled Adderley’s actions as “stolen valour,” criticizing his attempts to construct a false military persona. Cowx echoed this sentiment, highlighting the betrayal of trust and the damage to the reputation of the police service caused by Adderley’s actions.

Despite expressing remorse through a written apology for the end of his 32-year career, Adderley’s deceitful conduct significantly undermined public trust in law enforcement.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone emphasized restoring integrity and accountability within Northamptonshire Police following the incident.

Acting Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet reaffirmed the commitment of the police force to uphold high standards of conduct and transparency, ensuring that no officer is exempt from accountability for their actions.