31Hearing in defendant's absence

31 Hearing in defendant's absence

(1)  The justices may proceed to hear the case in the absence of a defendant if –

(a) the defendant does not appear and the justices are satisfied that the defendant has been served with the summons or notice; or

(b) the defendant does not answer to bail.

(2)  The justices may hear a case in accordance with subrule (1) whether or not the procedure under rule 32 has been applied.

(3)  In hearing a case in the absence of the defendant, the justices may receive the evidence they think fit either orally or by way of affidavit.