Confession by co-accused can be considered against others when trials are joint, subject to statutory exceptions. When multiple persons are tried jointly for the same offence, the Court may take into consideration a proved confession by one accused that affects both the confessor and other accused tried jointly; 'offence' includes abetment and attempt. A trial held without an accused who has absconded or failed to comply with a statutory proclamation is deemed a joint trial for this purpose, permitting such confessions to be considered against absentees, whereas statements by persons not being jointly tried cannot be used against a defendant.