(a)an accused does not appear at the time and place mentioned in the summons or notice to attend court and it appears to the court on oath that the summons or notice was duly served a reasonable time before the time appointed in it for appearing; and
Section history
Section 156 — Absence of accused
As in force on 2 January 2011.
If ––
(b)no sufficient ground is shown for an adjournment,
the court may either proceed ex parte to hear and determine the complaint or may postpone the hearing to a future day.