A 66-year-old man from Llandudno has pleaded guilty to wearing a military uniform without permission during a Remembrance Sunday service. Michael Higgins admitted to the charge at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court following an investigation into his appearance at the local cenotaph. The incident occurred during the solemn public event held on November 10, where he appeared dressed as a high-ranking naval officer.

The court heard that Higgins attended the ceremony wearing a Royal Navy officer’s uniform, complete with a greatcoat and a peaked cap. He was seen sporting several medals and the rank insignia of a Rear Admiral while walking among genuine veterans and dignitaries. Witnesses at the event became suspicious of his credentials, leading to a police investigation into his true military standing.

Prosecutors stated that Higgins had no right to wear the uniform or the decorations he displayed during the service. This type of offense is prohibited under the Uniforms Act 1894, which aims to protect the integrity of military dress and honors. The case has sparked significant local interest due to the sensitive nature of the event where the impersonation took place.

Higgins has been granted unconditional bail while the court awaits further reports before sentencing. He is expected to return to court later this month to discover his punishment for the charade. Authorities have emphasized that such actions undermine the respect intended for those who have legitimately served in the armed forces.

Key Takeaways

Michael Higgins pleaded guilty to wearing a Royal Navy uniform without authority during a Remembrance Sunday service in Llandudno.

The 66-year-old defendant appeared at the cenotaph dressed as a Rear Admiral despite having no right to the rank or medals.

The court has adjourned the case for sentencing while Higgins remains on unconditional bail.

Adapted From

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78e548p9nno

I wonder what his board name is. 😁

If they remade Dad's Army in today's political environment, they'd all wind up on a fizzer.

He would blend in just fine here there are millions of masqueraders 🤔

4 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

He would blend in just fine here there are millions of masqueraders 🤔

There is a guy in Pattaya who calls himself Lord Lipton, total Walter Mitty character.

22 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

There is a guy in Pattaya who calls himself Lord Lipton, total Walter Mitty character.

Does he own a racehorse called "Shoegar"?

Some people are really funny!

On 1/6/2026 at 7:50 AM, JBChiangRai said:

There is a guy in Pattaya who calls himself Lord Lipton, total Walter Mitty character.

It might not be as daft as it seems.

There’s plenty of Brits in Pattaya and they’ve been conditioned over centuries to tug their forelocks when in the presence of ‘their betters’.

Social hierarchy in the British expat community of Pattaya.

Perhaps a fitting subject for an ethnography.

23 hours ago, JAG said:

Does he own a racehorse called "Shoegar"?

And maybe one called Shergar, ridden by Lord Lucan ! 555

Meanwhile, all the other crimes committed in Llandudno that day went without investigation or arrest, and the waiting time for criminals and victims in the UK justice system gets gradually larger.

I believe service personnel call this 'Stolen valour'. It makes them (understandably) very angry.

I remember when this guy was initially called out: It wasn't just this particular occasion. He'd been doing it for years....unless there's another one.

It happens quite a lot but it's usually less extreme. Blokes who maybe did no more than basic training then failed it or dropped out. Others claiming they were ex SAS when actually they were in the pay corp or a cook. TA making out they were full on service military.

Mostly exaggeration rather than a blatant falsehood like this.

Rear Admiral no less! You could almost understand it being some ploy to impress a lady or something but to actually march in the remembrance parade amongst all those real vets?

A bit like all those loud., mouthy falangs in Thailand bragging about their portfolio investments and their so called private islands, all located of course on the other side of the world. 😂

In fact, peerages are still for sale by the destitute with titles. Can I get an invite to that private island.

9 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

In fact, peerages are still for sale by the destitute with titles. Can I get an invite to that private island.

Arise, Lord Un of Block...😁

Actually, I'd prefer to be Lord of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath! Think I'll have one right now!

As my hobby are Thailand's 253 hotsprings, Knight Commander of the Bath might suit better!

On 1/5/2026 at 5:17 PM, Bert got kinky said:

I wonder what his board name is. 😁

Prosecutors stated that Higgins Higgot had no right to wear the uniform or the decorations he displayed during the service.

Everybody is prone to exaggeration of their past.

Stolen Valor is an epidemic in America and worldwide it appears.

On 1/6/2026 at 7:17 AM, Bert got kinky said:

I wonder what his board name is. 😁

Does he live in Pattaya?

VC as well.

22 hours ago, Chutney said:

I believe service personnel call this 'Stolen valour'. It makes them (understandably) very angry.

I remember when this guy was initially called out: It wasn't just this particular occasion. He'd been doing it for years....unless there's another one.

It happens quite a lot but it's usually less extreme. Blokes who maybe did no more than basic training then failed it or dropped out. Others claiming they were ex SAS when actually they were in the pay corp or a cook. TA making out they were full on service military.

Mostly exaggeration rather than a blatant falsehood like this.

Rear Admiral no less! You could almost understand it being some ploy to impress a lady or something but to actually march in the remembrance parade amongst all those real vets?

As an ex-Andy Capps Commando, highly decorated cakes a speciality, I am highly offended by this post, an Army marches on it's stomach. 555

9 hours ago, Jeff the Chef said:

As an ex-Andy Capps Commando, highly decorated cakes a speciality, I am highly offended by this post, an Army marches on it's stomach. 555

Here's another WALT.

11 hours ago, Novio said:

Stolen Valor is an epidemic in America and worldwide it appears.

It’s been a thing in Pattaya for years.

Here's another bloater.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15115361/Labour-MP-mayor-Royal-Marine-commando-quit-council.html

2 hours ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

Here's another WALT.

Because he didn't serve in active combat, he doesn't wear campaign medals, but rather honours bestowed for his royal duties and milestones, such as the Jubilee medals.

On 1/8/2026 at 9:40 PM, Jeff the Chef said:

As an ex-Andy Capps Commando, highly decorated cakes a speciality, I am highly offended by this post, an Army marches on it's stomach. 555

No disrespect intended. I bet you could do some serious damage with a well wielded frying pan. Not to mention the death dealing qualities of hot oil. And it is to be remembered that all chefs have superb knife skills.