Fake Admiral Fined After Remembrance Stunt

A 65-year-old man who showed up at a Remembrance Sunday ceremony in naval garb has been fined after admitting he was impersonating a senior officer. The costume — complete with medals and rings — drew attention online and ended with a court appearance. Jonathan Carley, from Harlech, pleaded guilty at Llandudno magistrates’ court to wearing a uniform marked as His Majesty’s forces without permission. He was ordered to pay a £500 fine, £85 in costs and a £200 surcharge after the incident at the Llandudno service on 9 November 2025. The court heard Carley had worn what looked like a Royal Navy admiral’s uniform despite never holding that rank. He told police the jacket had originally been issued to him years earlier when he was a cadet, but he had added medals bought online and paid a tailor to attach rear admiral rings. Witnesses and social media images showed him marching with others to the town war memorial, saluting the monument, and then walking away. Organisers had not expected anyone of that rank to attend, which, along with photos and video posted online, prompted officials to check the matter. Prosecutors said he displayed campaign medals including those linked to Iraq and Syria and even spoke to event organisers and walked alongside a genuine veteran while wreaths were laid. When officers detained him, Carley reportedly told them he had been expecting their arrival. He later told police he had faked seniority to feel a sense of belonging and affirmation and maintained that he acted with respect. District judge Gwyn Jones told Carley that while the wreath-laying may have been sincere, the deception was foolish and hurtful, showing a lack of respect for those who served and for families who lost loved ones. The judge described the conduct as a deceitful intruder into a solemn occasion. Carley’s lawyer, Mark Haslam, called the case “very sad,” saying his client has ongoing health issues and had been publicly humiliated. Haslam added that Carley accepted his actions were inappropriate and had underestimated the distress they caused. Beyond the fine, the episode underlines how quickly images can expose conduct at public ceremonies and the sensitivity around Remembrance events. Many see these gatherings as a protected space for veterans and bereaved families — and impersonation, even if intended to feel included, can deepen wounds rather than heal them. --- Managing your business finances? TaxAce provides smart online accountancy services for UK businesses with flexible monthly plans. Image and reporting: https://www.theguardian.com | Read original article