COP OUT
‘Walter Mitty’ police chief Nick Adderley is SUSPENDED after wearing ‘fake Falklands War medal’
A POLICE chief at the centre of a "Walter Mitty" probe has been suspended amid claims he wore "fake" medals.
Nick Adderley, 57, allegedly wore a Falklands combat medal — even though he was 15 during the war.
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It is understood that Northamptonshire Police’s top cop enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1984, two years after the Argentina conflict.
The Sun revealed how the police watchdog launched a probe following a complaint.
It was confirmed today the £165,000-a-year chief constable has been suspended while the investigation continues.
A source said: "He is not in the building. He is no longer the serving chief constable of Northamptonshire Police."
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold said he believed the suspension was "in the public interest".
The suspension will be kept under regular review as the investigation progresses, he added.
The commissioner continued: “Allegations of misconduct must always be fully, independently investigated so that the public have confidence in the integrity of the police service and the processes that independently hold policing to account.
“That independent investigation must now be allowed to take its course and we will not be commenting further on matters related to the investigation."
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The Independent Office for Police Conduct said Nick Adderley will be interviewed and is under investigation for potential offences of misconduct in public office and fraud.
A spokesperson added: "The Independent Office for Police Conduct is criminally investigating the Chief Constable of Northamptonshire over allegations that he has potentially misrepresented his military service, both in public and in communications with the police, fire and crime commissioner.
"We have advised the chief constable in a criminal letter that we are examining possible offences of misconduct in public office and fraud by false representation.
"After reviewing information gathered so far as part of our investigation, we have also served a gross misconduct notice on the chief constable for potential breaches of police professional standards relating to honesty and integrity, orders and instructions and conduct.
"The serving of such a notice and letter does not mean that any proceedings will necessarily follow."
Adderley, praised for supporting military veterans, has proudly worn five mounted medals at a string of events - including in July at the Police Bravery Awards.
His South Atlantic Medal and rosette was awarded to anyone who served at least one day in the Falklands combat zone.
He has also worn a Campaign Service Medal, typically awarded for duties in Northern Ireland.
A Northamptonshire Police press release in July said he served “in the Navy for ten years including the Falklands”. However it was later removed from its website.
Records show Adderley joined the Royal Navy at 18 after a spell in the cadets from 15.
A Navy source said: “We didn’t send cadets to the Falklands.
“The last time that happened was Gallipoli in World War One.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said an “initial assessment” was made after a referral from the local Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner.
It is now investigating allegations of potential misrepresentation of his military service as well as communications with the commissioner.
Adderley said in a statement to The Sun that he had always worn his brothers’ medals, one of whom became critically ill and another who emigrated.
But his excuses crumbled when The Sun revealed his older brother Rick, 59, still had his South Atlantic Medal and wore it in his adopted home of Australia.
Relatives of war veterans also customarily wear their loved ones medals on the right, rather than left, chest to make it clear that they were not the recipient.
Adderley said at the time: “I have been made aware of a complaint in general terms but have not had any notices served upon me by the IOPC.
"It is disappointing that someone has leaked such details about what I deem to be a very personal family issue, that I have yet to respond to formally.
"Consequently I am restricted in what I can say but I have always been keen to respond to such issues directly and openly.
"Hence it is important that I state for the public record that I am very proud of my Cadet, Royal Navy and Police Service.
"Coming from a military family, I wear all my medals with pride and have always worn the two medals my brothers gave me to wear when one became critically ill and one emigrated, alongside my own.
"Having been made aware of this complaint, which has a private family impact upon me personally, I immediately took advice last week regarding the protocol and have changed the side of my chest on which these medals are worn.
“I look forward to providing the IOPC with a fulsome response at the earliest opportunity and I fully appreciate that they have a job to do.”
Key claims and counter claims over Chief Constable Nick Adderley’s military service
Claim: Nick Adderley wore a Falklands War medal
Counter: He was 15 at the time of the conflict
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Claim: The medal was a gift from his brother who emigrated
Counter: His brother Rick, 59, wore the medal in his adopted Australia in 2020
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Claim: He served 10 years in the Navy
Counter: He enlisted in 1984 and joined the police eight years later in 1992.
Associates said he spent less than 2 years in the Navy followed by time as a civilian.
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Claim: He wore a Royal Navy officer’s cap
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Counter: His name does not appear in the London Gazette list of commissioned officers
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