Police chief, 57, accused of lying that he fought Argentina in the Falklands War by wearing a combat medal being just 15 at the time of the conflict, could be dismissed from his force as watchdog launches probe
- Northamptonshire Police’s top cop Nick Adderley is accused of stolen valour
Northamptonshire Police’s Chief Constable has been placed under investigation after video surfaced of him wearing a Falklands War medal on his uniform – despite being just 15 at the time of the conflict.
Nick Adderley, 57, is facing ‘stolen valour’ allegations for donning the South Atlantic Medal, which was gifted to British military personnel who served in the 1982 war between Britain and Argentina, at a string of events, including the Police Bravery Awards in July.
The police chief is understood to have enlisted in the Navy in 1984 – two years after the conflict concluded – at the age of 18 after a spell in the cadets from the age of 15.
A Northamptonshire Police press release from July said he served ‘in the Navy for ten years including the Falklands’ according to The Sun, though this has since been removed.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) reportedly launched its probe after receiving a tip-off from the local Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner.
Northamptonshire Police’s top cop Nick Adderley (pictured) is accused of stolen valour
The South Atlantic Medal was only given to soldiers who fought in the Falklands War
The watchdog is looking into allegations of potential misrepresentation of his military service, as well as communications with the commissioner.
He could face a gross misconduct board and dismissal as a result.
But Adderley said he was ‘very proud of his Cadet, Royal Navy and Police Service’, adding he also wears medals awarded to his brothers with no further clarification.
‘I wear all my medals with pride and have always worn the two medals my brothers gave me to wear when one became critically ill and one emigrated, alongside my own.
‘Having been made aware of this complaint, which has a private family impact upon me personally, I immediately took advice last week regarding the protocol and have changed the side of my chest on which these medals are worn.
‘I look forward to providing the IOPC with a fulsome response at the earliest opportunity and I fully appreciate that they have a job to do.’
The top cop has also been seen wearing several other medals, including the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals.
‘Stolen Valour’ is the term commonly applied to the act of wearing military medals or decorations that have not been earned with the intent to deceive.
It is not an offence in the UK for individuals to wear medals or decorations that they were not awarded – but it is an offence to wear a military medal without permission, according to the UK Parliament’s briefing on Stolen Valour.
MailOnline has contacted Northamptonshire Police and the IOPC for comment.
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