Neil Wilby Media

A response to a freedom of information request, made by journalist Neil Wilby, has revealed that an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct into a suspended chief constable may go on for some time yet.

The police watchdog says there is ‘no specific timescale’ for the end of a gross misconduct probe over the wearing of military decorations by Chief Constable Nick Adderley to which he was not entitled.

Fifty seven year old CC Adderley was suspended on full pay – £164,000 pa – in October, 2023 by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire after a referral to the IOPC, whom are now criminally investigating alleged offences of misconduct in public office and fraud.

This came after a ‘stolen valour’ complaint was received from a sharp-eyed member of the public who had spotted in video footage that the chief constable was wearing medals from the Falklands war, despite being only 15 years old, and a cadet, at the time of the conflict.

‘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 England and Wales 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 Parliament’s briefing on Stolen Valour.

There are also concerns that CC Adderley has embroidered his career record, claiming that he served in the Royal Navy for ten years before joining the police service in 1992. Counterclaims suggest that he was working in a pub, driving a lorry and selling houses during that period.

Court documents, reported in at least two national newspapers, show that Adderley held a licence to sell alcohol at the popular Hooton Arms pub on The Wirral, Merseyside, between 1989 and 1990.

The police watchdog has also confirmed in its FOI response that it is carrying out the investigation with its own staff and that Nick Adderley has now been interviewed under criminal caution by them.

Chief Constable Adderley says in response to the complaint:

‘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.’

PCC Stephen Mold told the local Police, Fire and Crime Panel, held on 30th November:

“These are quite unprecedented times in Northamptonshire and it is vital that we ensure there is continuity and leadership for the force.

The Police Commissioner has previously set out, in a statement, that he believed it was in the public interest, in the interest of the force, and of the Chief Constable himself that Adderley was suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

He said: ‘Allegations of misconduct must always be fully, independently investigated so that the public have confidence in the integrity of the police service and the processes that independently hold policing to account.

‘That independent investigation (by the IOPC) must now be allowed to take its course and we will not be commenting further on matters related to the investigation.

‘My focus will be on ensuring that Northamptonshire receives the best possible policing service and I know that the officers and staff of Northamptonshire Police will continue to focus, as they do every day, on their mission to constantly improve the way they tackle crime, keep people safe and serve the communities and neighbourhoods of this county.’

PCC Mold repeated at the PFC Panel meeting that he could not comment on the ongoing IOPC investigation of his chief constable, but said that the force is “applying as much as appropriate pressure” to ensure the enquiries are completed swiftly.

Ivan Balhatchet, a Northamptonshire officer for over seventeen years and deputy chief constable at the time of CC Adderley’s suspension in October, was asked to step up to the position temporarily.

The suspended chief constable’s biographical details have been removed from the force’s website.

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Page last updated: Monday 11th December, 2023 at 0935 hours

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