A former teacher has been convicted and fined after he dishonoured a solemn day of remembrance by posing as a senior Royal Navy officer. Jonathan Carley, 65, sparked outrage when he laid a wreath at a Remembrance Sunday service in Llandudno, North Wales, dressed in the uniform of a Rear Admiral adorned with an array of medals.
The Deception Unravels
Carley, who had never served in the Royal Navy, attended the ceremony in November. He presented himself to parade marshals as a Rear Admiral representing the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd. His distinguished appearance and impressive collection of 12 medals, including the prestigious Distinguished Service Order, led officials to take him at his word.
However, his legitimacy was quickly questioned online after photographs from the event circulated. Investigators from groups like the Walter Mitty Hunters Club, which exposes cases of stolen valour, noted that the combination of medals he wore was implausible. He was reported to the police and arrested at his £70,000 detached home in Harlech, Gwynedd. Upon his arrest, Carley told officers: 'I've been expecting you.'
A Web of Lies to Neighbours and the Court
Neighbours revealed that Carley had woven an elaborate backstory for himself. He told several people he had been in the navy and had even worked in naval intelligence, monitoring Russia. He also claimed to have worked with NATO. One neighbour described him as polite and well-spoken with a military bearing, making the tale believable.
At Llandudno Magistrates' Court, prosecutor James Neary said Carley, who had no previous convictions, had sought 'a sense of belonging or affirmation'. The court heard he had altered a cadet force uniform by hiring a tailor to sew admiral's rings on the sleeves and had purchased the medals online. His haul included awards for service in Syria and Iraq, a NATO medal, and one marking the Queen's golden jubilee.
The Sentencing and Aftermath
District Judge Gwyn Jones fined Carley £500, ordering him to also pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £200 surcharge. The judge told Carley his actions were a 'sad reflection' on him and a total disrespect to the memories of the fallen, causing great pain to families.
Carley, who was described as remorseful, did not comment after the hearing. His solicitor stated he reiterated his apologies to all affected. The uniform and medals, which Carley claimed he was about to surrender, were confiscated and destroyed. It was also revealed this was not an isolated incident; the Daily Mail reported he had worn the fake uniform at Remembrance services in Caernarfon in 2018 and 2019.
A Royal Navy spokesman condemned the impersonation as 'insulting to anyone connected to the service'. Both Llandudno Town Council and the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd's office confirmed they had no prior knowledge of his attendance and had not authorised his representation.
