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Former Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Nick Adderley has been charged with fraud and misconduct in public office over allegations he lied about his military service and academic background while applying to join the police.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that Adderley, 59, faces one count of misconduct in public office and one count of fraud, contrary to section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006. The charges follow an investigation into claims that he falsely portrayed himself as a decorated Royal Navy officer over a period spanning from 2018 to 2024.
It is alleged that Adderley falsely claimed to have served as a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy, taken part in the Falklands War, and was entitled to wear the associated South Atlantic Medal. Investigators also allege he made false statements about his educational qualifications and naval career on his CV and application form when applying to become Northamptonshire’s Chief Constable in June 2018.
According to the IOPC, evidential files were passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) last year for consideration of criminal charges. The CPS announced that following a review of the evidence, Adderley would face prosecution.
The former police chief was dismissed from Northamptonshire Police without notice in June 2025 after a misconduct hearing found he had misrepresented his service record. During that hearing, it was revealed that Adderley had worn a South Atlantic Medal—awarded to British military personnel and civilians who served in the Falklands conflict—despite never having been entitled to it. The tribunal also heard he had claimed to have served ten years in the Royal Navy, when in reality he had served for only two, and had falsely stated he attended the Britannia Royal Naval College for four years and acted as a military negotiator in Haiti, despite never visiting the country.
Adderley is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 10 November for his first court appearance. If convicted of fraud, Adderley could face a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years.
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