A Remembrance Sunday service meant to honour genuine sacrifice was overshadowed in north Wales after a man appeared in a senior naval uniform and war medals he had never earned.
Jonathan Carley, 65, from Harlech in Gwynedd, was fined £500 after admitting he wore a fake admiral’s uniform and service medals at a Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Llandudno on 9 November. The medals, which included awards linked to military service in Iraq and Syria, had been purchased online.
Carley appeared before Llandudno Magistrates’ Court charged with wearing a uniform or dress bearing the mark of His Majesty’s Forces without permission. He pleaded guilty to the offence.
The court heard that Carley had attended the well-supported service alongside veterans, civic leaders and members of the public. He was allowed to lay a wreath, salute and stand among other dignitaries during the ceremony.
Prosecutor Jams Neary told the court that there was nothing to initially raise suspicion about Carley’s appearance on the day, despite the senior rank implied by his uniform and decorations.
The deception came to light after a photograph of Carley at the service circulated widely on social media, prompting public concern and a police investigation. When officers arrested him on 14 November, Carley reportedly told them: “I’ve been expecting you.”
During police questioning, Carley said he wanted a sense of “belonging and affirmation”. He explained that the naval uniform had originally been legitimately issued to him during his time in the cadets, but that he later had rear admiral insignia added by a tailor. The medals, he admitted, were not earned and had been bought online.
District Judge Gwyn Jones fined Carley £500 and ordered him to pay £85 in prosecution costs, along with a £200 surcharge.
Addressing the defendant, the judge said: “It’s a sad reflection upon you that you chose to do such a thing on a very difficult day for so many.”
