Fake Navy admiral exposed at UK Remembrance Sunday, now facing criminal charges

Jonathan Carley, a 64-year-old man who posed as a Navy Admiral, at a Remembrance Sunday event in Llandudno, Conwy county, turned out to be a fake officer.

The man has now been charged by the authorities for wearing a uniform bearing the insignia of His Majesty’s Forces without permission. 

Carley is now set to appear at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court on December 11, 2025.

The fake admiral was involved in a wreath-laying ceremony, saluting the memorial and then marching with a colleague. 

Several personnel got suspicious due to the rare Distinguished Service Order Medal (DSO) on his uniform.

The Ministry of Defence carried out the investigation as they said the matter was serious and posing as a serving officer can be considered a criminal offense.

Greg Robbins, chair of the council's civic sub-committee, said that the man did not disrupt the dignified Remembrance Sunday ceremony, adding, “We will work closely with the ministry of defense in its investigation.”

Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan has urged the public to refrain from online speculation as it could compromise future court proceedings.

He said they were well aware of the public concern regarding the incident and acted swiftly to arrest the fake admiral and press charges against him.