Former Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Nick Adderley has been charged with fraud and misconduct in public office following allegations of lying about his military service and educational achievements. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that Adderley, who previously headed Greater Manchester Police's Tameside division, is accused of making these false claims during his application to work for the police.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigations revealed allegations that from 2018 to 2024, Adderley falsely claimed to have been a former Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy, to have served in the Falklands War, and to be entitled to wear associated service medals. He is also alleged to have lied about his educational attainments. Specifically, the 59-year-old made false claims relating to a naval career on his CV and application form when applying to become Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police in June 2018.

A misconduct hearing earlier heard that Adderley had been dismissed from his £176,000-a-year role without notice last June and was placed on the police barred list. He was accused of wearing medals and claiming to have 'experienced loss of life' in war, despite never seeing action during his actual two-year naval career. The tribunal was told he built a false military legend, implying Falklands War service despite being 15 when the conflict began in 1982. A Ministry of Defence medal expert confirmed that the South Atlantic Medal (SAM) he wore was fake.

Further detailed allegations from the misconduct hearing included that Adderley claimed 10 years in the Royal Navy, a figure apparently including his Sea Cadet service from age 10, when he only served for two years. He also falsely claimed to have attended the Britannia Royal Naval College for four years, despite his application being rejected. Other fabrications included assertions of active service, being a military negotiator in Haiti (a country he never visited), and achieving the rank of 'commander or a lieutenant' when he only reached able seaman.

Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the CPS’s Special Crime Division, confirmed the decision to prosecute Adderley with fraud and misconduct in public office, stating there was sufficient evidence and it was in the public interest. If convicted of a criminal offence, Mr. Adderley faces the loss of his police pension. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 10.

Following the conclusion of the misconduct hearing, a statement read on Adderley's behalf by his barrister, Matthew Holdcroft, conveyed his 'deep regret' for any offense his medal-wearing may have caused veterans.