Obstruction and contempt
21(1)The Welsh Administration Ombudsman may certify an offence to the High Court where—
(a)a person, without lawful excuse, obstructs him or any member of his staff in the performance of his functions, or
(b)a person is guilty of any act or omission in relation to an investigation which, if that investigation were proceedings in the High Court, would constitute contempt of court.
(2)Where an offence is so certified the High Court may inquire into the matter; and after hearing—
(a)any witnesses who may be produced against or on behalf of the person charged with the offence, and
(b)any statement that may be offered in defence,
the High Court may deal with the person charged with the offence in any manner in which it could deal with him if he had committed the same offence in relation to the High Court.
(3)Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as applying to the taking of any such action as is mentioned in paragraph 19(4).