268. Respondent's failure to appear on appeal by DPP

268. Respondent's failure to appear on appeal by DPP


(1) If a respondent to an appeal under section 257 or 260 by the DPP fails to appear at the time listed for the hearing of the appeal, the County Court—

(a) may adjourn the proceeding on any terms that it considers appropriate; or

(b) if satisfied that notice of the appeal has been given in accordance with section 258 or 261, as the case may be, may hear and determine the appeal in the absence of the respondent.

Note

The County Court cannot impose a sentence that requires the consent of the respondent, for example a community-based order, in the absence of the respondent.

(2) If the County Court adjourns the proceeding and is satisfied that notice of the appeal has been given in accordance with section 258 or 261, as the case may be, the court may issue a warrant to arrest the respondent and to bring the respondent before the judge who issued the warrant or any other judge of the court.