Ex-GMP top cop Nick Adderley 'may have committed criminal offence' after medals investigation

A former Greater Manchester Police chief 'may have committed a criminal offence' over his wearing of military medals, a watchdog said today.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it has now completed an investigation into allegations Nick Adderley, the suspended Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police, misrepresented his military service.

The police watchdog said it has referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service as a result. A statement said a referral to the CPS is made when an investigation 'indicates that a criminal offence may have been committed'.

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It doesn't mean any criminal charges will follow. The CPS will now decide whether any criminal charges will be brought in line with its code.

Mr Adderley, 57, was the head of GMP's Tameside division when Dale Cregan murdered PCs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes while on the run after killing a father and son.

He was suspended from his position as Chief Constable of Northamptonshire last October and is also facing accelerated gross misconduct proceedings. A three-day hearing will be held next month.

Mr Adderley has served in the Royal Navy, but is alleged to have misrepresented his past by wearing a Falklands War campaign medal.

In a statement, the IOPC said: "We have completed our criminal investigation into allegations that the Chief Constable of Northamptonshire, Nick Adderley, has misrepresented his military service, and have referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)."

The IOPC's Regional Director, Emily Barry, said: “Following careful investigation, we have now submitted an