The former head of Northamptonshire Police, Nick Adderley, has been dismissed and banned from policing after being found guilty of gross misconduct. A three-person panel upheld allegations against Adderley that he had lied about his rank in the military and falsely claimed to have been a military negotiator in Haiti in the 1980s. The allegations came to light in 2023 when doubts were raised about a Falklands War medal that Adderley had reportedly been wearing on his uniform since 2009, despite being only 15 years old at the time of the conflict.
During the five-day gross misconduct hearing, it was revealed that lies were “flowing” from Adderley’s mouth, and that he had fabricated military naval legends that were untrue. In his closing statement, John Beggs KC confirmed that Adderley had lied about his rank and military service record and that the South Atlantic Medal he claimed was gifted from his older brother was “bogus.” Following the ruling, Northamptonshire Police and the Crime Commissioner issued statements in which they pledged to repair public trust and confidence in the force.
Adderley was suspended on his full salary of £176,550 per annum since October 2023, and now, without notice, he has been dismissed from his role and is placed on the barred police list. In response to the decision, Adderley regretted the hurt that he had caused to veterans of the armed forces and others. He regrets the decision as it marks the end of his career as a police officer that spanned over 32 years. Meanwhile, Adderley’s case has put Northamptonshire Police in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Finally, Adderley’s case has underscored the importance of honesty and integrity in carrying out the duties of the police. The investigation into his alleged misconduct also illustrated that public accountability is vital in ensuring that those who hold positions of power are held accountable for their actions. It is now Northamptonshire Police’s responsibility to work diligently and responsibly to restore the public trust and confidence as it moves forward
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