Nick Adderley, a police chief from Northamptonshire, is set to undergo a private gross misconduct hearing after being accused of wearing a Falklands War medal, despite only being 15 at the time of the conflict. Adderley, who is suspended from his position, faces allegations of misrepresenting his military service by wearing the South Atlantic Medal at various events.
The decision to conduct the hearing in private was announced by Stephen Mold, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire, on Friday evening. The hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, will be overseen by an independent panel and subject to reporting restrictions.
The accusations against Adderley stem from video footage showing him wearing the Falklands War campaign medal, which is awarded to British military personnel who served in the 1982 conflict between Britain and Argentina. It was alleged that Adderley wore the medal at events such as the Police Bravery Awards in July, despite not joining the Royal Navy until two years after the conflict.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IPOC) produced a report concluding that there was a case to answer, prompting the initiation of gross misconduct proceedings against Adderley. The IPOC is currently investigating the allegations, awaiting the conclusion of its criminal inquiry before determining whether to refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Adderley has defended his actions, stating that he wears all his medals with pride, including those awarded to his brothers. He clarified that he immediately changed the placement of the medals upon being made aware of the complaint, expressing readiness to provide a comprehensive response to the IPOC’s inquiries.
This is not the first time Adderley’s background has come under scrutiny. Court documents revealed his employment at a pub in Wirral, Merseyside, during the period he claimed to have served in the Royal Navy. Adderley’s professional history indicates a varied career path, including stints as a lorry driver and a real estate agent before joining the police force in 1992.
Adderley’s suspension follows previous controversies, including his referral to the police watchdog in connection with the tragic death of Harry Dunn, a 19-year-old who was killed in a road collision involving a US citizen who later fled the country.
The outcome of the gross misconduct hearing will be eagerly awaited, as it may have significant implications for Adderley’s career and reputation within the police force.
