Police chief disciplinary costs £200k so far

Nick Adderley has been accused of wearing a fake war medal

An ongoing gross misconduct hearing into a chief constable has cost nearly £200,000, the local police commissioner has said.

Nick Adderley, of Northamptonshire Police, is accused of exaggerating his rank, length of service and naval achievements.

The hearing was adjourned until 20 June after four days of evidence and legal arguments last week.

He has denied committing misconduct and has not given evidence to the panel, on the advice of his defence team.

The panel heard Mr Adderley claimed to be a Falklands War veteran, even though he was only 15 years old when conflict started.

A Ministry of Defence expert also told the hearing he had worn a fake South Atlantic Medal.

A spokesman for the Office of Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) said: "So far the misconduct hearing regarding Mr Adderley has cost almost £200,000.

"This includes the legal and management costs to date and the costs associated with arranging and holding the hearing. We will not know the total until after the process is over."

The figure covers the cost of lawyers for the OPFCC, including experienced barrister John Beggs KC.

The cost of the counsel defending the police chief is not paid for by the taxpayer.

Mr Adderley has remained on full pay since he was suspended in October last year, at £176,550 per year.

Last week, Mr Adderley's representatives invited the whole panel to recuse itself but made clear its issue was with chairman Callum Cowx, saying he had a "concluded view".

Mr Adderley denies that he acted without integrity, but admits he breached standards in terms of duties and responsibilities.