Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police sacked after panel finds him guilty of gross misconduct

A top police officer who lied and exaggerated his naval rank, length of service and achievements when applying to become chief constable has been found to have committed gross misconduct.

Nick Adderley, suspended chief constable of Northamptonshire Police, "built military naval legend that wasn't true", a misconduct hearing was told - including implying that he had served in the Falklands War, despite being 15 when the conflict broke out in 1982.

The panel, chaired by Callum Cowx, who served in the Royal Navy, the Army and the police, found all allegations against Mr Adderley proven, saying they found "his audacity to be quite staggering", adding that he had lied over many years with "arrogant temerity".

The misconduct hearing in Northampton heard Mr Adderley wore a South Atlantic Medal, awarded to British military personnel and civilians for service in the Falklands conflict, that was deemed "110%" fake by a Ministry of Defence medal expert.

Mr Adderley claimed he had served in the Royal Navy for 10 years when he had served for only two, and had apparently included his service with the Sea Cadets from the age of 10 in that calculation.

He also claimed on his CV that he had attended the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College for four years, despite his application being rejected.

He had also claimed to have seen active service during his naval career, had been a military negotiator in Haiti despite never visiting the country, and that he had been a "commander or a lieutenant", even though he only achieved the rank of able seaman.

Mr Cowx said the panel would not give fully formed reasons for their decisions on Friday, and they would follow in a written report within five days, but agreed the allegations against Mr Adderley amounted to breaches of honesty and integrity and discreditable conduct.

Mr Adderley did not attend the final day of the misconduct hearing, despite being directed to by Mr Cowx, but a statement was read out on his behalf by his barrister Matthew Holdcroft, who said he "deeply regrets" any offence his medal-wearing may have caused veterans.

In a statement from Mr Adderley that was read out at the hearing, he acknowledged the officers he had worked with in his 32-year career, saying: "I had the privilege of serving communities in Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and Northamptonshire and it has been the greatest honour of my life to lead the brave men and women in those forces.

"For over three decades I have witnessed first hand the dedication they apply and their unswerving bravery. The pride I have in those I have led has no bounds and I will be forever grateful to them for the difference they have made to the lives of so many.

"Thank you for your support, kindness and inspiring me to push on and be a better leader and colleague. I offer a heartfelt apology.

"Today's determination showed I have failed you, something I deeply regret. I regret I will no longer be part of your future.

"Please be under no illusion I will be there cheering you on from the sidelines."

Northamptonshire Police say they will work hard to rebuild public trust and confidence.

Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone and Acting Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet said that while this unprecedented situation put Northamptonshire Police in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, they share a determination to move the Force forward.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said: “I respect the Panel’s decision and am grateful for their work on this challenging case, I wish it could have been dealt with more quickly for the sake of everyone involved, but the proper process had to be allowed to take its course. I accept the Panel’s decision that dismissal is the right sanction in this case.

“This case has put Northamptonshire Police in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. We now need to set out to restore a reputation for honesty and integrity, which are fundamental values.

“Acting Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet and his team have done a fantastic job in leading the Force through a period of uncertainty and I will work with them to engage with communities and build public confidence and trust in their police.”

“No police officer is above independent scrutiny of their actions and when someone falls short of the standards expected of them, they will be accountable.

“Policing is a challenging role and Northamptonshire Police is full of people who have dedicated themselves to keeping the public safe. I am determined to lead a Force that meets those challenges properly and fairly.”

The misconduct panel will now decide what sanctions Mr Adderley should face.

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