129 Obstruction.E+W
(1)Any person who without reasonable cause—
(a)refuses to allow the inspection of any premises; or
(b)refuses to allow the visiting, interviewing or examination of any person by a person authorised in that behalf by or under this Act [F1or to give access to any person to a person so authorised]; or
(c)refuses to produce for the inspection of any person so authorised any document or record the production of which is duly required by him; or
[F2(ca)fails to comply with a request made under section 120C; or]
(d)otherwise obstructs any such person in the exercise of his functions,
shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, any person who insists on being present when required to withdraw by a person authorised by or under this Act to interview or examine a person in private shall be guilty of an offence.
(3)Any person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or to both.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 129(1)(b) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 52, ss. 1(2), 7(2), Sch. 1, para. 19
F2S. 129(1)(ca) inserted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care Act 2008 (c. 14), ss. 52, 170, Sch. 3 para. 10; S.I. 2009/462, art. 1(1)(b), 2, Sch. 1 para. 33