The Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 2005

Obstruction etc. of the PPF OmbudsmanN.I.
This section has no associated Explanatory Memorandum

197.—(1) This Article applies if any person—

(a)without lawful excuse obstructs the PPF Ombudsman in the performance of his functions, or

(b)is guilty of any act or omission in relation to an investigation by the PPF Ombudsman under regulations made under Article 192 or 193, which, if that investigation were a proceeding in the court, would constitute contempt of court.

(2) The PPF Ombudsman may certify the offence to the court.

(3) Where an offence is certified under paragraph (2), the court may—

(a)inquire into the matter,

(b)hear any witnesses who may be produced against or on behalf of the person charged with the offence and any statement that may be offered in defence, and

(c)deal with him in any manner in which the court could deal with him if he had committed the like offence in relation to the court.

(4) In this Article “the court” means a county court.