A scheduled gross misconduct hearing involving the Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police, Nick Adderley, has been postponed for an additional three months. The hearing, which was set to take place tomorrow, February 28, has been rescheduled due to logistical reasons.
Mr Adderley has been under suspension from his duties since October last year following an allegation suggesting he misrepresented his military service. The allegation revolves around the wearing of a medal awarded to Falklands War veterans, despite Adderley’s age at the time of the conflict being only 15. He asserted that the medal belonged to his brother, yet it was noted that he wore it on the wrong side of his chest.
The postponement of the hearing extends Mr Adderley’s period of suspension, during which he will continue to receive his salary, estimated to be around £41,250, until the rescheduled hearing on Tuesday, May 28.
An investigation by the police watchdog concluded that there is a case of gross misconduct to answer, leading to the requirement for a disciplinary hearing. The hearing will be conducted by an independent panel, comprising a Legally Qualified Chair, a representative from His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, and an independent panel member.
The Chairman of the panel, Callum Cowx, confirmed the postponement of the three-day hearing until May 28, 2024. Meanwhile, a criminal investigation into the matter by the police watchdog remains ongoing.
In response to the postponement, a spokesperson for the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire stated that insufficient time was available to properly hear the case in a single day, necessitating the rescheduling for a three-day hearing in May.
