Section 101, THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACTS, 1965

(1) If at any time or place appointed by summons or on the adjournment of a hearing once begun the defendantdoes not appear, and if, in the former case, service of the summons on the defendant a reasonable time before the time for his appearance as aforesaid is duly proved, the Court may, if it thinks fit and where the charge is not one of felony, proceed with the hearing, and may convict the defendant in his absence, or refrain from doing so until he shall be brought before it. (2) The Court may set aside any conviction made in the absence of the defendant upon being satisfied that his absence was due to causes over which he had no control, and that he has a probable defence upon the merits. (3) Any sentences of imprisonment passed under subsection (1) shall be deemed to commence from the date of arrest. (4) If the accused person who had not appeared as aforesaid is charged with felony, or if the Court in its discretion refrains from convicting the defendant in his absence, the Court shall issue a warrant for the arrest of the accused, and cause him to be brought before the Court.