Ex-police chief charged with fraud and misconduct

A former chief constable has been charged with fraud and misconduct in public office after allegedly lying about his military career.

Nick Adderley, formerly of Northamptonshire Police, was charged following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Mr Adderley faces one count of misconduct in public office (MIPO) and one count of fraud, contrary to section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 10 November.

The IOPC said the charges followed its independent investigation 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 is also alleged, the IOPC said, 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.

Malcolm McHaffie, from the Crown Prosecution Service’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.

“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.”

Northamptonshire Police acknowledged the charges brought against its former chief, but said it would make no further comment due to criminal proceedings being active.