(1)A Magistrate issuing a summons may dispense with the personal attendance of the accused and permit him²⁰²¹the accused²⁰²¹ to appear by an advocate.

(3)In the case where the accused pleads guilty by letter, the court may record a plea of guilty, convict him²⁰²¹the accused²⁰²¹ according to law, and sentence him²⁰²¹the accused²⁰²¹ to a fine with or without a sentence of imprisonment if he²⁰²¹the accused²⁰²¹ fails to pay the fine.

(4)If the accused pleads guilty by letter, he²⁰²¹the accused²⁰²¹ must state in the letter a postal address.

(5)Notwithstanding²⁰²¹Despite²⁰²¹ section 3, the court must then send, by registered post using the particulars stated under subsection (4), a letter informing the accused of the sentence imposed.

(6)The accused must pay the fine within 7 days from the date on which the court’s letter was posted or transmitted.

(7)The court inquiring into or trying the case may at any stage of the proceeding direct the accused to attend in person, and if necessary may enforce his²⁰²¹the accused’s²⁰²¹ attendance in the way set out in section 153.

(8)If the court intends to impose a sentence of imprisonment without the option of a fine, it must require the accused to attend in person.

(9)If the accused wishes to withdraw his or her²⁰²¹ plea of guilty and claim trial when he²⁰²¹the accused²⁰²¹ appears pursuant to subsection (8), then the court must, notwithstanding²⁰²¹despite²⁰²¹ any order of conviction made in his²⁰²¹the accused’s²⁰²¹ absence²⁰¹²absence,²⁰¹² permit him²⁰²¹the accused²⁰²¹ to withdraw his or her²⁰²¹ plea and then hear and determine the case, and if the court convicts him,²⁰²¹the accused,²⁰²¹ pass sentence according to law.

(10)Nothing in this section shall affect²⁰²¹affects²⁰²¹ the powers of the court conferred by section 156.