Top cop accused of wearing ‘fake’ Falklands War medal referred to CPS as ‘criminal offence may have been committed’

A TOP cop may have committed a criminal offence for allegedly wearing a Falklands War medal he didn't earn.

The Sun revealed how Northants Chief Constable Nick Adderley was also under investigation for allegedly lying about his Royal Navy service.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched a probe into the claims last year and have now handed evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service.

An IOPC spokesperson said: "A criminal offence may have been committed."

Mr Adderley's CV - which he used to get his job - said he was in the Navy from 1981 to 1992.

The Falklands war broke out in 1982, when Mr Adderley, 57, was just 15.

The Sun previously revealed the cop actually joined the Navy in 1984, two years after the war.

Pals said he served less than two years and spent six years as a civvy, including a stint as a pub landlord, before joining the police in 1992.

Despite this, Mr Adderley allegedly wore the South Atlantic Medal - awarded to Falklands veterans - at public events when he was not entitled to.

He also allegedly wore a Northern Ireland medal without having served in the Troubles.

The suspended cop, who is still on his £165,000 annual salary, faces the sack if the discreditable conduct allegations are proven.

He previously said: "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."

Mr Adderley's claims crumbled when his Falklands medal-owning brother Rick was pictured with the gong at home in Australia.

In September, the South Atlantic Medal Association blasted Mr Adderley’s behaviour as “shameful”.

In January, the IOPC sent a report to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire with a recommendation that Mr Adderley should face a gross misconduct hearing.

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.”