Inquiry into charge: minor offences94A

1

Without prejudice to rule 36 an officer designated by the Secretary of State (referred to in this rule as a “designated officer”) may hold an inquiry into a charge that an inmate has committed any of the offences against prison discipline listed in paragraphs (7), (9), (15), (16), (21), (22), (23) or (25) of rule 38.

2

The designated officer shall first inquire into any charge not later, save in exceptional circumstances, than the next day after the laying of the charge unless that day is a day of religious observance for the inmate in accordance with his religious denomination as recorded under rule 57.

3

The designated officer may adjourn the inquiry but must give reasons for doing so which shall be recorded in the record made under rule 37; any adjournment must not unfairly prejudice the interests of the inmate.

4

At any inquiry into a charge against an inmate the designated officer shall satisfy himself that the inmate has had sufficient time to prepare his defence; the inmate shall be given a full opportunity of hearing what is alleged against him and of presenting his own case.