The magistrate, M, convicts the accused, X, of malicious damage to property, and postpones the case for sentencing. M subsequently dies of Covid-19 complications before delivering sentence on the sentencing date. A, X's attorney, insists on the trial starting de novo (from the beginning), asserting that the proceedings essentially 'died with M'.

Briefly discuss X's argument, in the context of section 275 of the CPA.