Suspended Northants police chief's medal 'false', panel hears

Nick Adderley denies misconduct, his counsel told the three-day hearing in Northampton

A Falklands War medal worn by a suspended chief constable accused of exaggerating his naval record is believed to be false, a misconduct panel has heard.

Nick Adderley, of Northamptonshire Police, built a "legend that wasn't true", the hearing was told.

This included that he was a Falklands War veteran, even though he was only 15 when it started in April 1982.

Mr Adderley has denied misconduct and that he acted without integrity.

Mr Adderley is accused of exaggerating his rank, length of service and naval achievements, the hearing was told.

This included wearing a Falklands War medal that he did not earn, falsely stating he was a Royal Navy officer and that he had attended the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College, despite his application being rejected.

John Beggs, KC, representing the Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) during the three-day misconduct hearing at Northampton Saints Stadium - said it was not suggested that these "deceits" were instrumental in Mr Adderley securing the job of chief constable in August 2018, but that he "plainly should not deceive those who were considering his application".

Mr Adderley, who was suspended from his role after allegations were made against him, arrived for the first day of the hearing on Tuesday in full uniform and attempted to avoid the waiting press outside the building by entering through a side door.

Mr Adderley arrives at the hearing - at the Northampton Saints Stadium - through a side door

His counsel told the hearing that Mr Adderley denies misconduct and that he acted without integrity, but admits he breached standards in terms of duties and responsibilities.

Mr Beggs told the panel, chaired by Callum Cowx, that Mr Adderley had claimed he had seen active service during his naval career, had been a military negotiator in Haiti and that he had been a "commander or a lieutenant".

All these claims were "enormous exaggerations" and Mr Adderley was only ever an able seaman before he was discharged after two years of service, Mr Beggs said, adding that he also "allowed or promoted the notion that he served in the Falklands".

A South Atlantic Medal, awarded to British military personnel and civilians for service in the Falklands War, that Mr Adderley had worn on several occasions and claimed was his brother's, is "not believed to be a valid medal", Mr Beggs said.

He told the panel: "This case is not about whether Mr Adderley made a positive contribution to Northants Police.

"It is about whether he has, over many years, deliberately advanced a false narrative to exaggerate his service, rank and achievements in the Royal Navy and allowed or promoted the notion that he served in the Falklands.

"To claim you served your country when in fact you were 15 years old is an egregious thing to have done by any person, let alone a senior police officer."

Nick Adderley's misconduct hearing was told he wore a Falklands War medal "not believed to be valid"

Mr Beggs also claimed that Mr Adderley had failed to correct a number of media articles and publications which mentioned "falsehoods" in his career history over the years and that there was incorrect information on his own CV and application form when he applied for the chief constable role.

He added: "He was never a leader in the Royal Navy in any reasonable or ordinary sense, he was the lowest rank among ratings.

"He described himself as a commended officer, but he received no formal commendations or medals. Later he was to suggest by commended he meant people had told him he had 'done a good job'."

The hearing continues.

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