A 64-year-old man from Harlech, Jonathan Carley, has been charged after allegedly impersonating a senior Royal Navy officer at a Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying in Llandudno on 9 November. Police say he faces a charge of wearing uniform or dress bearing the marks of the UK armed forces without permission, and recovered a naval uniform and several medals during a search of his home. The arrest prompted public concern because of the ceremony's solemn nature; Carley is due at Caernarfon Magistrates' Court on 11 December.
Man Charged After Allegedly Impersonating Senior Navy Officer at Llandudno Remembrance Sunday Service
A 64-year-old man from Harlech, Jonathan Carley, has been charged after allegedly impersonating a senior Royal Navy officer at a Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying in Llandudno on 9 November. Police say he faces a charge of wearing uniform or dress bearing the marks of the UK armed forces without permission, and recovered a naval uniform and several medals during a search of his home. The arrest prompted public concern because of the ceremony's solemn nature; Carley is due at Caernarfon Magistrates' Court on 11 December.
03:44 AM, 11/15/2025Society
A 64-year-old man from Harlech has been charged after attending a Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying in Llandudno while allegedly impersonating a senior Royal Navy officer, North Wales Police (NWP) said.
Allegations and arrest
Police identified the suspect as Jonathan Carley of the Harlech area of Gwynedd and said he faces a charge of wearing a uniform or dress bearing the marks of the UK armed forces without permission, according to PA Media. The incident took place on 9 November at a ceremony to honour those who died in the First World War.
Images shared on social media showed the man wearing a black, white and gold cap and a jacket decorated with 12 colourful medals. Officers arrested him on suspicion of offences connected to the unlawful use of military uniforms and recovered a naval uniform and a selection of medals during a search of his address, NWP said.
"We responded swiftly to make an arrest and proceed with charges," said NWP Chief Constable Trystan Bevan. He added the incident had caused "significant public concern, particularly given its occurrence on Remembrance Sunday."
Court appearance and context
Carley is due to appear at Caernarfon Magistrates' Court on 11 December, PA Media reported. Remembrance Sunday, observed on the Sunday nearest 11 November, is the UK's principal day for commemorating those killed in war; veterans, service personnel and members of the royal family traditionally take part in wreath-laying and other remembrance ceremonies.
This reporting is based on statements from North Wales Police and PA Media. The charge is an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.