A 65-year-old man has been convicted and fined after he dishonestly posed as a senior Royal Navy officer at a solemn Remembrance Day ceremony in Wales, having previously told neighbours he was a NATO operative monitoring Russia.
The Deception Uncovered in Llandudno
Jonathan Carley attended the service of remembrance in Llandudno, North Wales, on November 9, 2025. He wore the full uniform of a Rear Admiral, complete with twelve medals, and took part in the laying of a wreath to honour fallen service personnel. However, Carley had never served in the Royal Navy.
His elaborate charade began to unravel when photographers at the event noticed he was carrying an unusually large ceremonial sword. After his picture was circulated online, his false identity was exposed, leading to his arrest.
Neighbours Fooled by 'Military Bearing' and Spy Stories
Prior to the event, Carley had woven a web of lies for those living near his £700,000 home in Harlech, Gwynedd. Neighbours, who described him as polite and well-spoken with a "military bearing", were convinced by his stories.
One neighbour told the Daily Mail: "He told a few of us that he was in the navy... He also mentioned that he had been in naval intelligence and that he had been monitoring the Russians. It was all a pack of lies." Carley, a former history teacher, had claimed he was working under NATO.
Court Hearing and Consequences
When police arrived at his home to arrest him, Carley reportedly said, "I've been expecting you." Officers later recovered the uniform, the sword, and medals. In court, he claimed the uniform was issued during his time in the cadets but admitted he had a tailor add rear admiral rings and bought medals online.
At Llandudno Magistrates' Court, Carley pleaded guilty to wearing a uniform bearing the mark of His Majesty's Forces without permission. He was fined £500, ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £200 victim surcharge.
District Judge Gwyn Jones stated that Carley had "set out to deceive" people on a day meant for genuine reflection. The judge said: "Your actions totally disrespected all those who have fought. It is a sad reflection upon you that you chose to do such a thing on such a difficult day for so many."
