Chief constable fails to remove misconduct panel

Nick Adderley, pictured leaving the hearing, is accused of exaggerating his rank

A chief constable's attempt to remove the chairman and panel members from his gross misconduct hearing has failed.

Nick Adderley, who is in charge of Northamptonshire Police, made the application via his legal team.

He is accused of misrepresenting his service in the Royal Navy.

The chairman and panel said they had refused the application "after careful consideration".

The hearing ground to half after four days last week, but is due to resume on 20 June.

The panel was previously told Mr Adderley had exaggerated his rank, length of military service and naval achievements.

But Mr Adderley's legal representative said the chairman, Callum Cowx, had a "concluded view" and a "closed mind" regarding his client's guilt.

Matthew Holdcroft said Mr Cowx's use of phrases such as "claimed service" supported this view, adding: "Uniquely in my career, members of the public have approached me to express their view [that] you are not conducting these proceedings fairly."

Among the allegations facing Mr Adderley is that he claimed to be a Falklands War veteran, even though he was only 15 years old when conflict started in 1982.

The hearing also heard allegations a medal from the conflict that he had worn was likely a fake.

Mr Adderley has denied committing misconduct and will not give evidence on the advice of his defence team.

The hearing took place at the Northampton Saints rugby stadium but will resume at another venue yet to be decided.

Mr Adderley has remained on his full salary of £176,550 per year since he was suspended last October.

The Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) estimated that proceedings had so far cost just under £200,000.