Former chief constable Nick Adderley faces charges of fraud and misconduct in public office

It follows allegations that he made false claims about his military service and educational achievements when applying to work for the police.

Following a lengthy investigation alongside the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed today (October 21) that Nick Adderley would now face criminal prosecution.

Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS’s Special Crime Division, said: “We have decided to prosecute former Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Nick Adderley with offences of fraud and misconduct in public office.

“This follows an IOPC investigation into claims made by Mr Adderley in reference to his military service and educational attainments.

“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

“We have worked closely with the IOPC as they carried out their investigation.”

Mr Adderley, 59, was dismissed at a gross misconduct hearing in June 2024 after being suspended from the force in October 2023 following allegations he had lied about his naval career, including a claim he had served in the Falklands War when he was, in fact, only 15 at the time.

He faces a charge of fraud under Section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006 relating to false claims he had allegedly made in his job application and CV when he applied to join Northamptonshire Police as chief constable in 2018.

He also faces a further charge of misconduct in public office.

A statement from the IOPC said: “The charges follow our independent investigations into allegations Mr Adderley falsely claimed, over a period from 2018-2024, to have been a former Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy, had served in the Falklands War, and was entitled to wear associated service medals

“It’s also alleged the 59-year-old made false claims relating to a naval career on his CV and application form submitted in support of his bid to become the chief constable of Northamptonshire Police in June 2018.”

Mr Adderley will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 10.