(1)[F1The Commissioner] may certify an offence to the Court where—
(a)a person without lawful excuse obstructs him or any of his officers 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 a proceeding in the Court, would constitute contempt of court.
(2)Where an offence is so certified the 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 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 like offence in relation to the Court.
(3)Nothing in this section shall be construed as applying to the taking of any such action as is mentioned in section 11(5).
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 13(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 43 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)