A 65-year-old man has been fined nearly £800 after pleading guilty to wearing a Royal Navy uniform without permission at a Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Llandudno. Jonathan Carley, of Harlech, north Wales, appeared at Llandudno Magistrates' Court on Monday, where he admitted to wearing uniform bearing the mark of His Majesty's forces without authorisation.
The court heard that on 9 November 2025, Carley attended the Remembrance Sunday event dressed as a Royal Navy admiral, despite never having held that rank. He wore a uniform originally issued to him as a cadet, which he had customised with medals bought online and rear admiral rings added by a tailor. He was seen walking in formation to the war memorial, saluting, and laying a wreath.
Prosecutor James Neary said Carley wore medals from conflicts including Iraq and Syria, and approached organisers to introduce himself. Suspicion arose after photos and videos of him appeared online, as Llandudno Town Council confirmed no admiral was scheduled to attend. When police arrived, Carley reportedly said, 'I've been expecting you.' He later told officers he faked his rank for a sense of 'belonging and affirmation,' insisting his actions were done 'with the utmost respect.'
District Judge Gwyn Jones told Carley that while he accepted the wreath was laid respectfully, his actions were 'foolish' and disrespectful to those who served. 'You were there not as a genuine person, but as someone who came to deceive,' the judge said. 'Your actions totally disrespect the memories of all those persons who have fallen.'
Carley's lawyer, Mark Haslam, described the case as 'very sad,' noting his client had mental and physical health issues and had been 'publicly humiliated.' He added that Carley 'seriously underestimated the anxiety, anger and distress' his actions caused. Carley was fined £500, with £85 costs and a £200 surcharge, totalling £785.
