Misconduct panel should 'recuse itself,' Nick Adderley's lawyer says

Legend, Nick Adderley denies serious misconduct after being accused of exaggerating his military service

Author, Sam Read
Role, BBC News, Northamptonshire
8 hours ago

A disciplinary committee should recuse itself because the president had a “conclusive opinion,” representatives of a police chief accused of serious misconduct said.

Nick Adderley is accused of exaggerating his rank, seniority and naval achievements, the hearing was told.

This includes claiming to be a Falklands veteran, even though he was only 15 when the war began.

He has denied any misconduct and will not testify before the panel on the advice of his defense team.

Mr Adderley’s representatives called on the entire panel to recuse themselves, but made it clear the issue was with chairman Callum Cowx.

Matthew Holdcroft, representing Mr Adderley, said that as Mr Cowx had served in the navy, army and police he had an “unlikely CV” to be chosen for the case.

He said that by using phrases such as “claimed service” he gave the impression that he had a “concluded opinion.”

“What is unique over the course of my career is that members of the public have contacted me to express their views that you are not conducting these proceedings fairly,” he said .

“Derail the procedure”

He accused the president of having a “closed mind” and his comments showed Mr Adderley’s team did not have a “steep climb” to climb to convince them of their case but a “completely bare face” .

John Beggs KC, representing the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said: Mr Cowx had “particular expertise and Royal Navy experience can only be a good thing”.

He said it was an attempt to prevent the group from “coming to a conclusion.”

Mr Beggs added that it was a well-known legal tactic of “attacking” members of the tribunal either to “derail the proceedings” or to “undermine or intimidate” a member of the panel.

Mr Cowx said he would have “no hesitation” to recuse himself if necessary and that the panel would consider the matter “very carefully”.

He said the panel would resume its work on June 20.

Mr Adderley denies any misconduct and acting without integrity, but admits he breached standards of duties and responsibilities.