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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To feel sorry for the fake admiral

417 replies

MajesticWhine · 15/11/2025 04:14

It seems to be a victimless crime and I don’t think he was doing anyone any harm. Given the amount of crimes such as shoplifting that go unpunished AIBU to think this man should be let off with a caution?

‘Fake admiral’ charged after Remembrance memorial
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/4d56e1d99d56fda6

‘Fake admiral’ charged after Remembrance memorial

Police ‘swiftly’ take action against retired teacher under 1894 Uniforms Act

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/4d56e1d99d56fda6

OP posts:
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10
QuizzlyBears · 15/11/2025 05:52

Zero sympathy, it’s an insult to every serving military member.

justasking111 · 15/11/2025 05:40

He did it in my home town at the weekend. It's upset a lot of people. Feelings running high.

It's a very odd mental health issue though. I can't see him getting a custodial sentence

Lurkingandlearning · 15/11/2025 05:37

I know this is a stretch, but I wonder what other outfits he has in his dressing up box. Police man, doctor?

What he did was disrespectful but might be part of more worrying behaviour. At best he probably needs some help

LoudSnoringDog · 15/11/2025 05:31

I have no sympathy for him. He has gone quite some length to be so deceitful.

Bluecrystal2 · 15/11/2025 05:30

JustGoClickLikeALightSwitch · 15/11/2025 05:24

I’m interested in the psychology of it, it’s a very particular sort of deception.

Me too. Maybe he doesn't feel important enough in real life. What about the people who have pretended to be doctors or airline pilots. His life is ruined now.

JustGoClickLikeALightSwitch · 15/11/2025 05:24

I’m interested in the psychology of it, it’s a very particular sort of deception.

PardonMeNot · 15/11/2025 05:23

Bluecrystal2 · 15/11/2025 05:19

It's an insult to all who fought and died.

I'm so pleased he had his photograph splashed all over the place. Sad, pathetic creature.

I agree. It was a planned, deliberate deception and he’s been photographed doing the same at past events. Inexcusable. Let him suffer in shame.

Bluecrystal2 · 15/11/2025 05:19

It's an insult to all who fought and died.

I'm so pleased he had his photograph splashed all over the place. Sad, pathetic creature.

HarbourClankCat · 15/11/2025 05:17

I wondered if he might be a romance scammer

TimeForATerf · 15/11/2025 05:14

I don’t, he’s a retired teacher, how on earth do you get to a point where you source a uniform and medals and dress up in them? And whilst there’s no evidence to suggest he did, he may then use those pictures of him at this event to commit other bad faith acts.

LoudSnoringDog · 15/11/2025 05:06

Unwell or a raving narcissist?

Original poster
MajesticWhine · 15/11/2025 04:53

I’m not saying it’s ok. It makes me think he must be a bit sad/unwell to behave like that.

OP posts:
sparrowhawkhere · 15/11/2025 04:48

I’m on the local Facebook group that it was first posted on. He apparently lifted the barrier pushed past people to get to the front and lied about why he was there. He didn’t just quietly walk past. I think he’s brought it on himself.

CurlewKate · 15/11/2025 04:34

Weird not to have made a better job of it.

PollyBell · 15/11/2025 04:19

So we can all go around doing what we want as long as its a 'victimless crime' all is ok? People die to get those medals he didn't care about anyone but himself

Ziga · 15/11/2025 04:17

It’s a tough one. In the states they call it “stolen valour” and it’s a serious crime! I do think it’s quite a weird thing for him to do.

Hoistupthemainsail · 15/11/2025 04:17

No I don’t feel sorry for him. He didn’t deserve to be there or wear those medals.

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