Suspended Northamptonshire chief constable Nick Adderley to face accelerated gross misconduct hearing

Allegations that Mr Adderley misrepresented his military service by wearing a medal awarded to Falklands war veterans were made to the Office of Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in July last year.

In line with the statutory guidance, the allegations were referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The IOPC has been carrying out an investigation and in a report has assessed, based on the evidence gathered to date, that there is a case to answer for gross misconduct. It also confirmed a criminal investigation is ongoing.

Northamptonshire police, fire and crime commissioner Stephen Mold has now accepted this passes the tests for an accelerated disciplinary hearing. He said a hearing will now be convened at the earliest opportunity.

Mr Mold said: “I am grateful to the IOPC for the work it has carried out to date into the allegations against Chief Constable Nick Adderley. I am now convening an independent panel to consider the allegations.”

Mr Adderley is currently suspended from Northamptonshire Police and Acting Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet continues to lead the force at this time.

In a statement, the IOPC said: “Our criminal investigation into allegations that the chief constable of Northamptonshire, Nick Adderley, has misrepresented his military service is ongoing. At the end of the investigation, we will decide whether or not to refer a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider any potential offence.

“In the meantime, we have sent a report relating to disciplinary matters to the police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC) for Northamptonshire alongside our recommendation that the chief constable’s conduct should be considered at a misconduct hearing, for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour, which could amount to gross misconduct. The standards identified are honesty and integrity and discreditable conduct.

“We advised the PFCC, based on the evidence we had gathered to date, that the PFCC should proceed to an accelerated gross misconduct hearing. Arrangements for a misconduct hearing are for the PFCC to take forward.  We are grateful for the assistance provided by the PFCC during the investigation.”

Mr Mold said the hearing will be carried out by an independent panel that will consist of a legally qualified chair, a representative of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and an independent panel member.

He said the date, time and arrangements for the hearing will be announced later.