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Nick Adderley

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Nick Adderley
Adderley in 2013
Chief Constable of
Northamptonshire Police
In office
6 August 2018 – 21 June 2024
Home SecretarySajid Javid
Priti Patel
Suella Braverman
Grant Shapps
Suella Braverman
James Cleverly
CommissionerDanielle Stone
Preceded bySimon Edens
Personal details
Born1966 (age 57–58)
NationalityBritish
Children2[1]

Nicholas Adderley (born 1966) is a British former senior police officer who had served as Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police from 2018 to 2024, when he was dismissed for gross misconduct. He had embellished his military service in the Royal Navy and fabricated receiving both the General Service Medal (1962) and South Atlantic Medal.

Early life

[edit]

Adderley was born in 1966,[2] and grew up in New Moston, Manchester, England. As a child, he was a member of the Sea Cadets, a youth organisation that is sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, from the age of ten.[3] Adderley joined the Royal Navy in 1984 as a rating and left after serving for less than two years with the rank of able seaman.[4][5] He would later claim that he had attended the Britannia Royal Naval College, and served for 10 years in the Navy as an officer reaching the rank of lieutenant or commander.[2][5]

Police career

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Adderley joined Cheshire Constabulary[6][7] in 1992 at the age of 25 as a police constable.[8]

He then took a break from the Police Service but has claimed to have worked in the public sector work in the Home Office for 2 years at the Police Standards Unit on secondment as a Chief Inspector.[9][10] However, according to the response to a Freedom of Information Act request, Adderley worked for the Home Office from February to October 2006.[11] Adderley was also reported serving as a Chief Inspector within Cheshire in August 2006.[6]

He later transferred to the Greater Manchester Police (GMP), where he was promoted to Chief Superintendent in August 2011.[12][13][14] In September 2013, he became the territorial commander of the North Manchester Division;[15] keeping the same rank.

In 2015, he was promoted to assistant chief constable at Staffordshire Police after completing his Strategic Command Course.[16][17]

Chief Constable

[edit]

On 6 August 2018, Adderley became Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police.[18][19]

He was also the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) national lead for disclosure and safeguarding as well as for motorcycling and criminal use of motorcycles.[20]

In 2019 Adderley was involved in the investigation of the death of Harry Dunn in a motorcycle crash, where a suspect, the wife of a U.S. intelligence officer, claimed diplomatic immunity and left the United Kingdom. Adderley was criticised for tweeting "How sad but how predictable!!" about Dunn's parents' decision to sue the suspect in the U.S. civil courts. The parents called for his resignation, and referred Northamptonshire Police to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold spoke to Adderley about the tweet and said that the force's communications should "remain professional and sensitive".[21][22]

In April 2020, Adderley was rebuked by Home Secretary Priti Patel after controversial comments regarding his department's response to COVID-19 received wide media attention. He had stated at a press conference that while his police would not, "at this stage, start to marshal supermarkets and [check] the items in baskets and trolleys to see whether it's a legitimate necessary item", that if people did not heed his warnings, "we will start to do that". Patel declared that his comments had been "inappropriate". Adderley subsequently backed away from the threatened policing shift.[23][24]

In February 2023 Adderley temporarily retired from Northamptonshire Police, due to return in April 2023. This was owing to pension arrangements for officers having reached 30 years' accumulated service negatively impacting the financial tenability of continuing in the role without that break.[25] Adderley was suspended on 16 October 2023 as part of a gross misconduct investigation, overseen by the IOPC.[26]

Misconduct, dismissal, and criminal investigations

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On 29 September 2023 it was reported in the media that Adderley had been wearing two campaign medals which he was not entitled to: the South Atlantic Medal for the Falklands War and the General Service Medal with Northern Ireland clasp. This was despite Adderley being only 15 years old at the time of the Falklands War. A Northamptonshire Police press release in 2023, since withdrawn, stated the chief constable was a Falklands War veteran.[27][28] A complaint was made to the office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, who in turn referred the matter to the IOPC for investigation. Adderley was suspended in October 2023.[29][30] The explanation that Adderley provided was that they had been given to him by his brothers to wear. In response to the complaint, he "immediately took advice last week regarding the protocol and have changed the side of [his] chest on which these medals are worn."[31][32] On 10 April 2024 the IOPC announced that it had completed its criminal investigation and was now referring evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether to bring a criminal charge.[33]

A second criminal investigation against Adderley was instigated in March 2024 when Staffordshire Police served Adderley and another officer with papers alleging fraud in relation to the maintenance of police vehicles during the period when Adderley was the Assistant Chief Constable.[34]

In December 2023, the BBC reported that Adderley had falsely claimed to have been a Royal Navy officer.[29][28] A police press release in 2023 stated Adderley had served for 10 years in the Royal Navy, when he had actually served less than two years.[27]

In May 2024, details of the gross misconduct allegations were published: "he has inter alia exaggerated the rank, duration and achievements in his service with the Royal Navy" and also that he "implied that he served in the Falklands War", which are "in breach of several standards of professional behaviour".[35][36] Adderley had claimed on his 2018 application, CV and supporting statement that he had held the rank of Commander, led forces in active service, received numerous commendations, negotiated a ceasefire in Haiti in 1986 and attended Britannia naval college for 4 years. During an IOPC interview he claimed these were errors as he was only ever an able seaman, referred to his leadership as when he was in the sea cadets, been commended in the literal sense by being told "well done" and never visited Haiti but rather wrote a paper on events. The latter being debunked once it transpired he lacked the basic grades to enter the naval college, instead claiming this to be an aspiration and that this was to show his ambition. The full published judgement lists the lies told both in gaining the rank of Chief Constable and when questioned under caution by the IOPC.[37][38] The gross misconduct disciplinary hearing was held between 28 and 30 May, before being adjourned until 20 June.[35][39] On 21 June 2024, the panel conducting the disciplinary hearing found Adderley guilty of gross misconduct.[40] Adderley was dismissed without notice and placed on the police barred list.[41]

Adderley's fabricated military service and wearing of medals that he was not entitled to, led to some calling him a "walt", a slang term for military impostors.[42] Such "stolen valour" is not currently illegal in the United Kingdom, but the reaction to this case has led politicians from the Conservative Party and the Labour Party leader Keir Starmer to call for a change in the law.[43][44]

Honours

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Ribbon Description Notes
Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
  • 2002
  • UK Version of this Medal
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
  • 2012
  • UK Version of this Medal
Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
  • 2022
  • UK Version of this Medal
King Charles III Coronation Medal
  • 2023
  • UK Version of this Medal
Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Nick Adderley Biography". Northamptonshire County Council. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Why is Northamptonshire's police chief facing a discipline hearing?". BBC News. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  3. ^ "Sacked police chief's ex-wife 'sickened' over fake Troubles medals". Belfast Telegraph. 24 June 2024. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  4. ^ "Nick Adderley: Doubts over chief constable's navy record". BBC News. 8 December 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  5. ^ a b "Suspended Northants police chief's medal 'false', panel hears". BBC News. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Database to hit bogus calls". Crewe Chronicle. Reach PLC. 11 August 2006. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  7. ^ "Police give out warning to troublemaking party-goers". CheshireLive. Reach PLC. 20 December 2006. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  8. ^ "Document 02 Northamptonshire Police and Crime Panel 05 July 2018 Confirmation Hearing Agenda Pack". www.westnorthants.gov.uk. 1 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  9. ^ "Bio". Nick Adderley. 9 April 2020. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  10. ^ Development, PodBean. "Episode 12: Interview with Nick Adderley, Chief Constable of Northamptonshire | Tango Juliet Foxtrot - the police podcast". tangjulietbravo.podbean.com. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  11. ^ "Nick Adderley's time as a Chief Constable with Police Standards Unit & involvement in Soham murders - a Freedom of Information request to Home Office". WhatDoTheyKnow. 11 January 2024. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  12. ^ "Hundreds pay tribute to murdered officers". The Times. 26 September 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  13. ^ Lewis, Jamie (27 May 2012). "Manchester police make four arrests after man is shot dead in pub". Independent. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  14. ^ Keeling, Neal (30 September 2014). "Police chief pledges review into poor response to attempted child abduction call". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  15. ^ Keeling, Neal (25 January 2014). "Axe to fall on more top police posts". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  16. ^ Britton, Paul (18 November 2015). "Manchester police chief Nick Adderley appointed assistant chief constable of Staffordshire Police". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  17. ^ "Nick Adderley confirmed as new Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police. | Office of Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner". Office of Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner. 6 July 2018. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  18. ^ "New Chief Constable for Northamptonshire". ITV News. 20 June 2018. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  19. ^ "Counter Terror Expert Now Northants Top Cop". Heart. Global Media & Entertainment. 6 August 2018. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  20. ^ "Chief Constable Nick Adderley". Northamptonshire Police. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  21. ^ Davies, Gareth (31 October 2019). "British police interview Anne Sacoolas over death of Harry Dunn". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  22. ^ Dowd, Lisa (31 October 2019). "Harry Dunn: Chief constable criticised for 'sad but predictable' tweet". Sky News. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  23. ^ "Coronavirus: Priti Patel blasts police chief's 'inappropriate' threat to check trolleys for 'legitimate' shopping". PoliticsHome. 9 April 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  24. ^ "Coronavirus: Police chief forced to back down after threat to search shopping". The Times. 10 April 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  25. ^ Briant, Nathan (5 January 2023). "Chief constable to retire before returning 34 days later". northantslive. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  26. ^ Franks, Helen (16 October 2023). "Suspension of Chief Constable Nick Adderley". Northamptonshire Police & Fire Commissioner. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  27. ^ a b "Northamptonshire Police proudly supporting those who serve | Northamptonshire Police".
  28. ^ a b "Nick Adderley: Doubts over chief constable's navy record". 8 December 2023 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  29. ^ a b "Nick Adderley: Misconduct hearing postponed until May". 27 February 2024 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  30. ^ Murray, Jessica (31 January 2024). "Northampton chief constable faces hearing over military service claims". The Guardian.
  31. ^ Boffey, Daniel (29 September 2023). "Police chief investigated over wearing Falklands medal despite being 15 at time of war". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  32. ^ "Northamptonshire police chief investigated over wearing Falklands medal despite being 15 at time". Sky News. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  33. ^ Reporters, Telegraph (10 April 2024). "Police chief investigated for 'wearing Falklands medal he did not win' referred to CPS". The Telegraph – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  34. ^ "Nick Adderley facing second criminal inquiry". BBC News. 9 March 2024.
  35. ^ a b "Gross misconduct hearing: Chief Constable Nick Adderley". Northamptonshire Police. 21 May 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  36. ^ "Why is Northamptonshire's police chief facing a discipline hearing?". BBC News. 28 May 2024.
  37. ^ James.Averill@northantspfcc.gov.uk (3 July 2024). "Regulation 43 report published following misconduct hearing for Chief Constable Nick Adderley". Northamptonshire Police & Fire Commissioner. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  38. ^ "Nick Adderley: Northamptonshire Police chief constable sacked for gross misconduct". Sky News. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  39. ^ "Chief Constable Nick Adderley fails to remove misconduct panel". BBC News. 6 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  40. ^ "Northamptonshire chief constable found guilty of gross misconduct". BBC News. 21 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  41. ^ "Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Nick Adderley dismissed over navy career lies". ITV News. 21 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  42. ^ "Walter Mittys: From Nick Adderley's military career lies to the NI fake cop who even called for back-up". Belfast Telegraph. 28 June 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  43. ^ Hymas, Charles (23 June 2024). "Police chiefs call for 'stolen valour' offence to criminalise false medals". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 23 June 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  44. ^ "Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer backs sanctions for stolen valour". BBC News. 25 June 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
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Media related to Nick Adderley at Wikimedia Commons

Police appointments
Preceded by Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police
2018-2024 		Succeeded by
tbd
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