(1)In section 166 (previous convictions: summary proceedings) of the 1995 Act, in subsection (8)—
(a)sub-paragraph (i) of paragraph (b), and
(b)the word “or” immediately following that sub-paragraph,
are repealed.
(2)After that section there is inserted—
Where a person is convicted of an offence on summary complaint, the court may, in deciding on the disposal of the case, have regard to any convictions which—
(a)were imposed on the person between the date of the offence and the date of conviction in respect of the offence;
(b)are specified in a notice laid before the court by the prosecutor; and
(c)are—
(i)admitted by the person; or
(ii)proved by the prosecutor on evidence adduced then or at another diet.
(1)Nothing in section 166 of this Act prevents—
(a)the prosecutor leading evidence of previous convictions where it is competent to do so as evidence in support of a substantive charge;
(b)the prosecutor proceeding with a charge—
(i)which discloses a previous conviction; or
(ii)in support of which evidence of a previous conviction may competently be led,
on a complaint which includes a charge in relation to which the conviction is irrelevant; or
(c)the court trying a charge—
(i)which discloses a previous conviction; or
(ii)in support of which evidence of a previous conviction may competently be led,
together with a charge on another complaint in relation to which the conviction is irrelevant.
(2)But subsections (1)(b) and (c) above apply only if the charges are of offences which—
(a)relate to the same occasion; or
(b)are of a similar character and amount to (or form part of) a course of conduct.
(3)The reference in subsection (1)(c) above to trying a charge together with a charge on another complaint means doing so under section 152A of this Act.”.
Commencement Information