A man impersonating an admiral was reported to have greeted police with “I’ve been expecting you” following his admission of wearing a naval uniform without authorization at a Remembrance Sunday ceremony. Jonathan Carley, aged 65 and residing in Harlech, Gwynedd, confessed to donning the uniform in search of a feeling of belonging. However, magistrates in Llandudno criticized his actions after he was charged with unauthorized use of attire bearing the insignia of His Majesty’s Forces.
Carley was seen wearing the unauthorized uniform at the Remembrance Sunday event in Llandudno on November 9 and later informed authorities that the naval attire was issued to him during his time in the cadets. Nonetheless, he had embellished the uniform by adding rear admiral rings through a tailor and purchasing medals online. District Judge Gwyn Jones imposed a £500 fine on Carley, along with an additional £85 for prosecution costs and a £200 surcharge. Judge Jones addressed Carley by stating, “It’s disappointing that you chose to engage in such behavior on a day that holds significance for many individuals.”
During the well-attended service, Carley, adorned with medals, including those for service in Iraq and Syria, approached event organizers to introduce himself. He was permitted to lay a wreath, saluted, and stood alongside other dignitaries. Following the event, a photo of him went viral on social media, leading to his arrest on November 14, where he cryptically remarked to the police, “I’ve been expecting you.”
In his police interview, Carley expressed his desire for a sense of belonging and affirmation. It was revealed that his sole military service was in the combined cadet force during his teaching tenure at Cheltenham and Shiplake Colleges. Public records from the London Gazette indicated his commission into the reserves as a 2nd Lt (on Probation) in July 1991.
Carley also falsely claimed to have attended Oxford University and Harvard before teaching at Eton, where notable figures such as Princes William and Harry, Boris Johnson, and David Cameron were former students. Police conducted inquiries after his image circulated on social media.