Wilce, recruiter under fire in Defence report

Stephen Wilce. Photo / Natalie Slade

A military court of inquiry has found that Stephen Wilce, the former director of the Defence Technology Agency, embellished claims in his military, work, academic qualifications and life experience.

But he did not lie on his CV and the matter is unlikely to be referred to the police, said the head of Defence, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae.

The court of inquiry report has just been released and is highly critical of Wilce, who resigned in September after inquiries began into his background.

It was also critical of the Momentum recruiting agency responsible for his appointment - which was paid $25,000 for its work.

Wilce's claims about the qualifications on his CV were not found to be inaccurate but the checks of his referees were inadequate, the court found.

Most of the embellishment and dishonesty took place after his appointment to the job - a job he held for five years.

Lt General Mateparae said that while telling lies in one's day to day dealings was "reprehensible," further elements were needed before it became a crime.

"I will be taking more considered advice on this point over the next few days but on the face of this report, I consider that a complaint to the police is unlikely to be productive."

He was critical of Defence's own appointments system and said it had "abrogated some of its responsibilities in appointments".

"Dumb decisions" had been made by some people.

He said Defence had been "severely embarrassed" by the episode.

A formal review of the risk posed to national security will be undertaken but the court found Wilce was unlikely to have been a risk because his access to high security material was limited.

He said apologies had been made to New Zealand's defence partners who had had contact with Wilce. The apologies had been made by DTA staff.

One of the most well-known claims was that he had been a member of the British bobsled team. The court found that Wilce had been a licensed member of the British Bobsleigh Association and competed in the two and four-man and British team in an event in the Nations Cup in 1986 or 1987.

The court of inquiry report says it received evidence that Wilce had embellished his military service record with respect to:

- claims to have served in the Falklands War, Northern Ireland and the First Gulf War;
- claimed service in Forces/ Special Boat Service;
- having been awarded the Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross and Bar, and
- giving the impression he was a helicopter pilot at the same time Prince Andrew was present.

Through various witnesses the court heard that Wilce had embellished his life experiences claiming for example that he
- was on the IRA death list;
- had a degree of medical experience or background,
- played guitar on the British folk circuit;
- claimed to have been a member of the Royal Society in the United Kingdom;

The court also received evidence that Wilce claimed he had been
- a member of he British Olympic bobsled team;
- the captain of the Royal Navy Swimming Team;
- represented England in the 1990 Commonwealth Games swimming team;
- was a member of the Welsh Rugby team that played against the All Blacks.

The court received evidence he had claimed at various times to
- hold an honorary PhD in astronomy from Cambridge
- a Masters degree in aerospace and astrophysics from Cranfield and Cambridge;
- have been a university lecturer, professor and doctor.
- to have served in MI5 and MI6 or at the Home Office.
- to have designed the guidance system for the Polaris missile.

The full report is on the Defence Force website here.