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Part 3Policing and investigation

Chapter 2Investigation of incidents by statutory inspectors

Investigations

66Offences of impeding investigation

(1)A person commits an offence if the person—

(a)intentionally obstructs a person in the exercise of the powers conferred by or under section 63, 64 or 65,

(b)fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a requirement made of the person in the exercise of those powers, or

(c)in response to such a requirement, makes a statement that is false or misleading in a material respect, knowing it to be so or being reckless as to whether it is.

(2)A person commits an offence if the person impersonates an inspector and purports to be carrying out an investigation.

(3)A person commits an offence if the person fails to comply with a direction under section 65.

(4)A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2) is liable—

(a)on summary conviction in England or Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the general limit in a magistrates’ court or a fine (or both);

(b)on summary conviction in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both);

(c)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine (or both).

(5)A person who commits an offence under subsection (3) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(6)Schedule 4 makes amendments in connection with the offence in subsection (3).