Former Police Chief Faces Fraud Charges for Military Service Claims

A former police chief in the UK faces serious criminal charges after allegedly fabricating details about his military service and educational background during his application to lead a county police force, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Nick Adderley, 59, who served as chief constable of Northamptonshire Police until his dismissal in June, has been charged with fraud and misconduct in public office. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 10 to answer the charges, which carry a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years if he is convicted.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which investigated the case, alleges that Adderley falsely claimed to be a former Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander who had served in the 1982 Falklands War. Investigators say he also falsely claimed entitlement to wear associated service medals, including the South Atlantic Medal awarded to British personnel who served in the Falklands conflict.

“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings,” said Malcolm McHaffie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division, in a statement. “We have worked closely with the Independent Office for Police Conduct as they carried out their investigation.”

According to the IOPC, Adderley allegedly committed the offenses between 2018 and 2024. The misconduct reportedly began during his application to become Northamptonshire’s chief constable in June 2018, when he allegedly included false claims on his CV regarding his military service and educational qualifications.

The case has sent shockwaves through British policing circles, where senior appointments typically undergo rigorous vetting procedures. Questions are now being raised about how Adderley’s claims went unchallenged during the hiring process for one of the most senior policing positions in the region.

During a misconduct hearing that led to his dismissal without notice in June, the tribunal heard that Adderley had claimed on his application to have served in the Royal Navy for a decade when he had actually served for only two years. The hearing also revealed he had falsely claimed to have attended the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College for four years.

Further evidence presented at the tribunal showed Adderley had fabricated a role as a military negotiator in Haiti, despite never having visited the country. These fabrications, prosecutors suggest, were part of a pattern of deception designed to enhance his credentials for senior leadership positions.

The case highlights growing concerns about integrity and accountability in British policing, coming at a time when forces nationwide are working to rebuild public trust following several high-profile scandals. The decision to pursue criminal charges against a former chief constable underscores the seriousness with which authorities view alleged deception by those in positions of public trust.

Northamptonshire Police has appointed an interim chief constable while the formal process to recruit a permanent replacement continues. The force has not commented extensively on the case, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.

The fraud charge specifically relates to dishonest representations made during Adderley’s application process, while the misconduct in public office charge covers his behavior while serving in his official capacity as chief constable.

This case is particularly significant as it represents one of the few instances in recent British policing history where a chief constable has faced criminal charges related to their appointment to office, rather than for actions taken during their tenure.

If found guilty, Adderley could face substantial prison time, with fraud carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years under UK law. The case continues to develop as the November court date approaches.