'My career is over... I feel bitterly disappointed in myself ': Ex-GMP chief Nick Adderley who lied for years over military service speaks out

A police chief sacked today by a force as its chief constable after being found to have committed gross misconduct by lying about his military history has said his 32-year policing career is now over. Nick Adderley also apologised 'unreservedly' for the 'hurt' he has caused to veterans of the armed forces.

Adderley lied and exaggerated his naval rank, length of service and achievements when applying to become chief constable of Northamptonshire Police, a panel ruled. He was found to have committed gross misconduct today by the panel after a hearing and has now been dismissed without notice.

A statement was read out on his behalf at the misconduct hearing on Friday by his barrister, Matthew Holdcroft. It said: "Today’s decision, by the disciplinary panel, brings to an end my career of over 32 years as a police officer."

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Adderley 'built a military naval legend that wasn't true', the misconduct hearing was told. It included implying that he had served in the Falklands War, despite being 15 when the conflict broke out in 1982.

The 57-year-old was previously the head of Greater Manchester Police'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 Constabulary last October.

The panel, chaired by Callum Cowx - who served in the Royal Navy, the Army and the police - found all allegations against Adderley proven, saying they found “his audacity to be quite staggering”, adding that he had lied over many years with “arrogant temerity”.

The misconduct hearing in Northampton heard Mr