A North Wales man has been handed a substantial court penalty after he dishonestly attended a solemn Remembrance Sunday ceremony dressed as a high-ranking Royal Navy officer.
Court hears details of the deception
Jonathan Carley, 65, from Harlech, appeared at Llandudno Magistrates' Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to a charge of wearing a uniform bearing the mark of His Majesty's forces without permission. District Judge Gwyn Jones ordered Carley to pay a total of £785, comprising a £500 fine, £85 in costs, and a £200 victim surcharge.
The court was told that on 9 November 2025, Carley attended the official Remembrance Sunday event in Llandudno wearing a uniform he had altered to resemble that of a Royal Navy rear admiral. He had never held such a rank. Prosecuting, James Neary explained that Carley had modified an old cadet-issued uniform with medals purchased online and had paid a tailor to add the distinctive rings of a rear admiral.
"A foolish and disrespectful" act
In his remarks, District Judge Gwyn Jones stated that while he accepted Carley had "laid a wreath respectfully", his actions were fundamentally "foolish" and "disrespectful". The judge emphasised the profound impact of the deception on a day dedicated to reflection and sacrifice.
"You were there not as a genuine person, but as someone who came to deceive," Judge Jones told the defendant. "Your actions totally disrespect the memories of all those persons who have fallen. It's a sad reflection upon you that you chose to do such a thing on a very difficult day for so many."
The fraud first unravelled when photographs and videos of Carley in the elaborate uniform were shared online. Organisers from Llandudno Town Council confirmed they had not invited anyone of that rank to the ceremony, triggering an investigation.
Seeking "belonging" leads to public humiliation
The prosecution detailed how Carley had fully immersed himself in the role. He walked in formation to the war memorial, saluted, and even introduced himself to event organisers. He wore medals from conflicts including Iraq and Syria, and walked alongside a genuine armed forces veteran during a wreath-laying.
When police eventually approached him, Carley reportedly said, "I've been expecting you." He later told officers he had fabricated his senior military status because he desired a sense of "belonging and affirmation", insisting his actions were done with "the utmost respect".
Defending, Mark Haslam described the case as "very sad", citing Carley's ongoing mental and physical health issues. Haslam stated his client had been "publicly humiliated" and now fully understood the distress he had caused.
"He wanted to be a part of the proceedings, but he accepts through me that his way of playing a part was totally inappropriate," Haslam told the court. "He seriously underestimated the anxiety, anger and distress that his actions have caused a large number of people. He no longer does so."
