A man who posed as a high-ranking naval officer at a poignant Remembrance Sunday event has been fined after admitting to wearing a military uniform without permission.
The Arrest and Eerie Admission
Jonathan Carley, 65, from Harlech, Gwynedd, was arrested on November 14 after a photograph of him in uniform at the Llandudno service went viral on social media. When officers knocked on his door, his response was a chillingly calm: "I've been expecting you." He later told police he had sought a "sense of belonging and affirmation" by wearing the uniform.
Details of the Deception in Court
Appearing before magistrates in Llandudno, Carley was charged with wearing a uniform bearing the mark of His Majesty's Forces without permission. The court heard that on November 9, Carley attended the "well attended" Remembrance Sunday event wearing a naval uniform adorned with medals, including ones for service in Iraq and Syria.
He introduced himself to organisers and was permitted to lay a wreath, salute, and stand among other dignitaries. However, investigations revealed his uniform was not legitimate for the rank he portrayed. While he claimed the base uniform was issued during his time in the cadets, he had rear admiral rings added by a tailor and had bought medals online.
Sentencing and Condemnation
District Judge Gwyn Jones fined Carley £500 and ordered him to pay £85 towards prosecution costs and a £200 victim surcharge. Passing sentence, Judge Jones stated: "It's a sad reflection upon you that you chose to do such a thing on a very difficult day for so many."
Public records indicate Carley's only formal military link was a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant (on Probation) in the reserves in July 1991. He had also made claims about studying at Oxford and Harvard and teaching at Eton, where notable figures like Princes William and Harry were pupils.
The case highlights the serious view the courts take of impersonating military personnel, especially on a day dedicated to honouring the fallen.
