Obstruction and contemptF1N.I.
15.—(1) If any person without lawful excuse—
(a)obstructs the Ombudsman or any officer of the Ombudsman in the performance of his functions under this Order; or
(b)is guilty of any act in relation to an investigation under this Order which, if that investigation were a proceeding in the High Court, would constitute contempt of court,
the Ombudsman may certify the offence to the High Court.
(2) Where an offence is certified under this Article, 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,
may deal with the person charged with the offence in any manner in which the court could deal with him if he had committed the like offence in relation to the court.
(3) This Article does not apply to the taking of any action mentioned in Article 13(7).
F1functions transf. by SR 1999/481