Neil Wilby Media

Nick Adderley, still technically the chief constable of Northamptonshire Police, faces an accelerated disciplinary hearing this week following complaints that include misrepresenting his past by wearing a Falklands War campaign medal.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire, Stephen Mold, a close friend of his chief constable, announced that the hearing before an independent panel on Wednesday would take place in private.

One local media outlet, NN Journal, is submitting a challenge to the ruling: “We will be making a representation to the Legally Qualified Chair about why suspended chief constable Nick Adderley’s misconduct hearing (related to breaches of professional standards, specifically honesty and integrity) should be in public. His officers have to face public scrutiny, so should he.”

It is likely, given the case’s high profile and the characterisation, nationally, of CC Adderley as a ‘Walter Mitty’ character, they will be joined by others.

In a statement, Mr Mold said: “On 28th February 2024 there will be an accelerated misconduct hearing to consider allegations of gross misconduct against Chief Constable Nick Adderley.

“Following representations made under Regulation 53 (3)(a) and 53 (3)(c) (read the relevant Regulations here) the Chair has ruled that the hearing will be in private, and subject to reporting restrictions, until further notice.”

There are three possible grounds for holding a misconduct hearing in private: National security, interferes with prevention and/or dtection of crime, the welfare of the parties involved. As part of what is a concerning information vacuum the PCC has declined to say which ground(s) is applicable in this case.

The disciplinary process was accelerated after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) reported to the Northants police commissioner that there is a case to answer for gross misconduct (honesty and integrity).

The police watchdog says it will wait until its criminal investigation has concluded before a determination is made on whether to refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision on allegations of misconduct in public office and fraud by false representation.

CC Adderley was suspended following the allegations made against him and Deputy Chief Constable, Ivan Balhatchet, is currently acting as chief constable.

In a statement issued last year (read more here), following the allegations coming to light, CC Adderley denied any wrongdoing and said he had always worn his own medals alongside two medals his brothers gave him to wear when one became critically ill and one moved overseas. 

He concluded by saying that the complaints against him were an intrusion into his private life.

Neither Northants Police nor its Commissioner has named the Legally Qualified Chair or the other two Panel members who will decide the short-term fate of their chief constable. It is not known if CC Adderley will be legally represented or intends to contest the charge(s). The length of hearing (one day) suggests not.

The IOPC has given no indication of when its criminal investigation will be completed. It is understood that at least one local complainant has unearthed other plausible allegations against Nick Adderley.

The latter has declined to comment further when approached.

Page last updated: Monday 26th February 2024 at 0715 hours

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Picture credit: Northants PFCC

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