A man arrested in Wales on suspicion of imitating a highly distinguished navy officer at a Remembrance Sunday ceremony has been charged.
Jonathan Carley, from the Harlech area of Gwynedd in northern Wales, has been charged with wearing uniform or dress bearing the mark of the UK’s armed forces without permission, according to the UK’s PA Media news agency.
The 64-year-old attended a wreath-laying service to honor World War I veterans in the town of Llandudno, northern Wales, on November 9, North Wales Police (NWP) said on Friday.
Photos circulated on social media showed the man – who lives in the seaside town of Harlech – wearing a black, white and gold cap and a jacket adorned with 12 colorful medals.
He was arrested “for offenses relating to the unlawful use of military uniforms,” NWP added in the statement.
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Authorities recovered a “naval uniform and a selection of medals” while searching the man’s address on Friday, NWP Chief Trystan Bevan said.
Later Friday, Bevan said that officers had “responded swiftly to make an arrest and proceed with charges,” according to PA Media. “We understand that this incident has caused significant public concern, particularly given its occurrence on Remembrance Sunday.”
Carley will appear at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court in Wales on December 11, PA Media reported.
Remembrance Sunday is similar to Memorial Day in the US, a day to honor the nation’s war dead. Every year, veterans, military officers and members of the royal family mark the Sunday closest to November 11 – when World War I ended in 1918 – to commemorate those who were killed.
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