Jonathan Carley, 65, has been fined after admitting he wore a Royal Navy admiral's uniform without permission at a Remembrance Sunday event. He pleaded guilty at Llandudno magistrates court on Monday and was ordered to pay £500, £85 costs and a £200 surcharge.
The court heard that Carley, from Harlech, north Wales, attended the event on 9 November 2025 wearing a uniform that resembled that of an admiral, despite never holding such a rank. He later told police the uniform had been legitimately issued to him as a cadet years ago, but he had customised it with medals bought online and rear admiral rings added by a tailor.
Prosecutor James Neary said Carley wore medals from conflicts such as Iraq and Syria, approached organisers to introduce himself, and walked alongside a genuine veteran while laying a wreath. Suspicion arose after photos and videos of Carley dressed as an admiral appeared online, despite the town council confirming no one of that rank was due to attend.
Addressing Carley, District Judge Gwyn Jones said his actions had been "foolish" and disrespectful to those "who served in the forces, and for those who have not been able to return". He added: "You were there not as a genuine person, but as someone who came to deceive. Your actions totally disrespect the memories of all those persons who have fallen."
When police approached him, Carley told officers: "I've been expecting you." He later said he had faked his seniority because he wanted a sense of "belonging and affirmation" and claimed "anything I did was done with the utmost respect". His lawyer, Mark Haslam, described the case as "very sad", citing Carley's mental and physical health issues, and said he had been "publicly humiliated" and "seriously underestimated the anxiety, anger and distress" his actions caused.
