Jonathan Carley has pleaded guilty at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court to attending a wreath-laying ceremony on Remembrance Sunday dressed as an admiral in the Royal Navy without permission. The court heard that the 65-year-old wore the uniform at the Remembrance Sunday event in Llandudno on November 9.
He later told police the naval uniform was issued to him legitimately when he was in the cadets but he had rear admiral rings added by a tailor and he had bought medals online. District Judge Gwyn Jones fined Carley £500 and ordered him to pay £85 towards prosecution costs and a £200 surcharge.
He said: “It’s a sad reflection upon you that you chose to do such a thing on a very difficult day for so many.”
Jams Neary, prosecuting, said at the “well attended” service, Carley wore medals including for service in Iraq and Syria and approached organisers to introduce himself.
He said: “The defendant was allowed to lay a wreath. He did so, he saluted and stood among other dignitaries.”
His photograph later went viral on social media and when he was arrested on November 14, he told police: “I’ve been expecting you.”
In interview, he told police he had wanted a sense of “belonging and affirmation”.
