Compensation for loss occasioned by wrongful act or negligence

(1) Without prejudice to the provisions of this Act as to the imposition of stoppages as a punishment, the following provisions shall have effect where, after investigation by a court of inquiry, it appears to the Security Services Commission that any loss of, or damage to, public or service property has been occasioned by any wrongful act or negligence of a member of the Force (hereinafter referred to as “the person responsible”). (2) The Security Services Commission may order the person responsible to pay as or towards compensation for the loss or damage such sum as may be specified in the order, and any such sum, in so far as not otherwise paid by the person responsible, may be deducted from his pay. (3) No order shall be made under the provisions of sub- section (2), if in proceedings before a court martial or a commanding officer, the person responsible78 (a) has been acquitted in circumstances involving a finding that he was not guilty of the wrongful act or negligence in question; or (b) has been awarded stoppages in respect of the same loss or damage, but save as aforesaid, the fact that such proceedings have been brought in respect of the wrongful act or negligence in question shall not prevent the making of an order or deductions under sub-section (2).