Especially grave offences

(1) Where a prisoner is charged for one of the following offences, namely– (a) mutiny or incitement to mutiny; (b) gross personal violence to any other person; (c) possession of a deadly weapon; (d) unlawful escape from prison or other lawful custody, the Superintendent shall forthwith summon a special meeting of not more than three nor less than two Visiting Justices to inquire into the charge. 38 (2) The Visiting Justices summoned as aforesaid shall inquire into the charge and for this purpose may take evidence on oath and if they find the offence proved, may make one or more of the following awards– (a) [Repealed by S.I. 50 of 1998.] (b) cellular confinement with restricted diet No.1 for a period not exceeding twenty-eight days. (3) In the case of a male prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment the Visiting Justices acting under this rule may, subject to the restrictions imposed by paragraph (4) of this rule, order corporal punishment in place of the award set out in subparagraph (b) of paragraph (2) of this rule but such corporal punishment may be in addition to the award set out in subparagraph (a) of paragraph (2) of this rule. (4) Where an order for the infliction of corporal punishment is made, the order shall specify the number of strokes and the instrument with which they are to be inflicted, shall be submitted to the Minister for confirmation, and shall be recorded in such manner as the Minister determines. (5) The Visiting Justices may, when making an award for the infliction of corporal punishment, make such awards being awards set out in paragraph (2) of this rule as they consider ought properly to be made as alternative awards in the event of the Minister’s refusing to confirm the order of the infliction of