356. Inquiry, trial or judgment in absentia of proclaimed offender.

(1) Where a person has been proclaimed as an offender under section 84 in respect of any offence punishable with imprisonment for not less than ten years, and where a period of not less than ninety days has elapsed after the date of issue of such proclamation, the Court may, in his absence, examine the witnesses (if any) produced on behalf of the prosecution, and record their depositions.

(2) On application by the prosecution, the Trial Court shall, after giving due notice to the proclaimed offender by publication in a national or local daily newspaper, or through electronic means, afford such proclaimed offender an opportunity of being heard and proceed to determine the guilt and pronounce judgment.

(3) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person below the age of twenty-one years at the date of the offence or to a woman.